“We’re coming off the second SOS race, which took place at Sturgis this year,” said Billy Lane, renowned bike builder and founder of Sons of Speed. “That was a lot of fun, but nothing beats the banked track at New Smyrna—this is where riders let it all hang out.”

Inspired by early twentieth-century board-track racers, the Sons of Speed race hearkens back to a stripped down, wide-open approach to motorcycle riding. Held at New Smyrna Speedway’s half-mile, banked racetrack, the third SOS race will feature thirteen riders in several different heats, and winners of the heats will advance to a championship round. Each racer will sit astride hand-built racing chassis holding pre-1925 1,000cc American V-Twin engines, and most racers will customize their machines by fabricating handlebars, exhaust, fenders, foot pegs and fuel/oil tanks.

And SOS isn’t the only excitement going down on Saturday—in the New Smyrna Speedway parking lot, on the same day, the inaugural Old Speed Show will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free for people and machines, and the event is open to any and all racing motorcycles of any style or age, including roadracers, dirt trackers, hillclimbers, Moto X and drag racers. And, in addition, the show will feature interesting and cool handcrafted motorcycles, hot rod cars and trucks. Presented by American Iron Magazine and brought to you by Dennis Kirk, American Iron Garage, Choppers, Inc., and Greaserag.com, the Old Speed Show is the perfect way to get revved up for the third Sons of Speed race.

Check out the Sons of Speed Facebook page for breaking news and upcoming events. You can purchase general admission tickets at the gate for $20. A limited amount of 50 VIP tickets will be available for purchase at the gate that will allow infield access.

About Sons Of Speed

Sons Of Speed is a motorcycle race inspired by early twentieth-century board-track racing. Featuring stripped-down bikes with pre-1925 American V-Twin engines and a steeply banked racetrack, Sons Of Speed hearkens back to a wide-open, full-throttle, thrilling style of motorcycle racing. The inaugural Sons Of Speed race will take place in Florida at New Smyrna Speedway during Daytona Bike Week in March 2017. Co-founded by veteran motorcycle bike builder Billy Lane, the first Sons Of Speed race will feature twenty of the sport’s most accomplished riders, builders, and enthusiasts, including Buzz Kanter (publisher, American Iron Magazine), Shelley Rossmeyer-Pepe (GM, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson), vintage racer Brittney Olsen, Warren and Billy Lane, Rick Petko (of American Chopper fame and master mechanic at Orange County Choppers) and Matt Walksler (motorcyclist and Associate Director of Wheels Through Time). For more information on the debut race and to buy tickets, check out the Facebook event page.

Indian Motorcycle specifically partnered with these three highly-regarded customizers, as each brings a uniquely distinct vision and signature style. The end result being three totally unique custom interpretations of the Scout Bobber, which helps showcase how easily customizable the bike is and the versatility of the platform. While Keino Sasaki and Satya Kraus carry long-standing reputations forged through years within the customization and aftermarket industry, skateboard icon Steve Caballero has seen his profile increase steadily within the last several yearsthanks to his love for vintage American v-twins and his participation in festivals such as Wheels & Waves.

Released mid-July during X Games weekend in Indian’s hometown of Minneapolis, the Scout Bobber represents a core passion of motorcyclists – connection to the road without a need for anything unnecessary. “Strip it down” was the mantra and inspiration Indian Motorcycle used when developing the latest model in its iconic Scout lineup. A low-slung, blacked-out, 100 horsepower, minimalist motorcycle that proves less is definitely more. Read More

Staci Wilt’s 3,500 Mile Trip to and from the Black Hills

If you’ve been riding a motorcycle or been involved in the motorcycle community for more than five minutes, you’ve heard of Sturgis. The rally wasn’t always a rally. In fact, back in 1938, Sturgis was more of a racing weekend put together by the Jack Pine Gypsies motorcycle club. Over time the rally became more known as the american “mecca” for motorcyclists, with attendee numbers ranging from 400,000-1.2 million depending on the year. As part of the younger generation of riders, I never understood the hype of the rally…until I experienced it firsthand back in 2015 for the 75th annual. Now, it’s a yearly tradition for me to make the trek to Sturgis, South Dakota. This year I spent three weeks on the road traveling to and from the rally. This is the story of my adventure.

Tuesday, August 1st: I left downtown San Francisco with my friend Kendra at about 11:00pm after hours and days of failed attempts of fixing our friend Halsey’s FXR. With a 3rd day in a row of stalling the start to our journey, Halsey stayed behind to get her bike sorted, and we started our journey east. We rode a little over 200 miles to Reno, NV, where we crashed on a friends couch from about 4am to 8am before hitting the road again.

Wednesday, August 2nd: 700 miles from start to finish. To beat the 100 degree forecast, we started early out of Reno and headed east across the barren Nevada desert. With not too much to see across Interstate 80, and the need to make up for lost time from FXR Dilemmas in the Bay Area, we had our eyes set on Idaho Falls, ID for the evening. After hours of dull scenery we trekked north to Twin Falls, ID. The barren desert of Northern Nevada quickly turned into humid rolling farmland as we crossed into southern Idaho. Not to mention the sunset, which was one of the best I had seen on the road in weeks, perhaps months. Low and behold, Halsey was able to get her FXR dialed in and was able to hit the road with about 400 miles between us. We decided to continue on to Idaho Falls (IF) where there were more hotel options and less miles between us and the Grand Tetons—our primary sight seeing activity on our route to Sturgis. The last 200 miles weren’t easy. The sun had set and I had been battling an eye infection for days which had impaired my vision, making night riding a bit of a hassle. I had to completely rely on Kendra to navigate the way, even at times when the highway construction left us on dirt roads for a mile or two. At about 1am we safely made it to our hotel in IF. Our 700 mile day was complete.

Garage-Girls and Allstate Motorcycle Insurance are proud to announce this year’s Ultimate Biker Makeover winner; Patricia Thurston! Patricia was selected among over 61 entries to this years contest.

Contestants (Girls and Guys) were asked to submit a 600 words or less essay – describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover as well as a photo. Deadline for entries was July 7th, 2017. Submissions were narrowed down to the final four by selected judges from Garage-Girls. From there, the judges had to make the tough decision of who they felt most deserved the Ultimate Biker Makeover. Patricia will get to take home all the prizes which include; A wardrobe of shoes from Harley-Davidson Footwear, a case of full synthetic oil from Spectro Oils, A new Mustang Motorcycle Seat, a set of tires from AVON Tyres, Motorcycle Helmet, Jacket AND Gloves by Indian Motorcycle, A Valerie bag by Motochic, A carb rebuild kit and more from S&S Cycle, A Navbag, tacker sign and apparel from Klock Werks, A momentum Vagabond bag by Kuryakyn, exhaust heat wrap by DEI, a batwing fairing and windshield from Memphis Shades, and MUCH MORE!!

To say Patricia was stunned would absolutely be an understatement, “I didn’t see my email till 4 days after the announcement, and I am humbled and so honored. Crying like sissy girl in fact, I so needed this. You have no idea how this will help my dream of getting my motorcycle back on the road.” -Patricia Thurston.

2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover and the girls are already hard at work planning the big celebration! Stay tuned for more info to come.

“There is nothing better in this world than being able to help out a fellow rider, we love to support bigger organizations, but getting to experience the impact on a personal level, that is priceless. Of course our sponsors are the ones we need to thank, they make this happen with their genuine hearts and compassion. Thank you to Allstate Motorcycle they are truly doing all they can to #keepridersriding” –Sara Liberte, owner of Garage-Girls.

Press Release:After more than 60 years away from professional flat track racing, Indian Motorcycle has won the 2017 American Flat Track Manufacturer’s Championship after a second-place finish at the Peoria TT.

Indian Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mees locked in the title for Indian Motorcycle with a strong second-place finish. Teammates Bryan Smith and Brad Baker finished strong in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

“Securing the Manufacturer’s Championship through 14 races is an unbelievable accomplishment,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Product for Indian Motorcycle. “To return to professional flat track racing after more than 60 years away from the sport and win the championship on a brand-new Scout FTR750 race bike is a testament to all the hard work from the entire Indian Motorcycle Racing team.”

American Flat Track recognizes Manufacturer Champions in each class. The manufacturer that accumulates the most points in each class over the course of a season is declared the Manufacturer Champion. With four races remaining, and Indian ahead of the next manufacturer by more than of 100 points, Indian Motorcycle has guaranteed a Manufacturer Championship.

Aboard the Scout FTR750, the Indian Wrecking Crew have combined for 30 of the season’s 42 total podiums. Mees, the season’s point leader, holds a 41-point lead ahead of Smith, while Baker rounds out the top three in the season’s standings. Mees and Smith have tallied 11 first-place finishes, with seven going to Mees and four to Smith.

Indian Motorcycle Racing, backed by Allstate Insurance, has its sights set on an individual championship as American Flat Track returns to the Springfield Mile on September 3.

Spectro 66 Minibike Giveaway

Spectro Oils are running a fun giveaway…they are giving away a 105cc mini bike decked out in “Spectro 66” decals (Spectro was founded in 1966).

Enter here for a chance to win a 105cc mini bike. The Spectro 66 Mini Bike is decked out with Spectro Oils #66 decals. You can also connect with Spectro Oils on Facebook or Instagram (@SpectroOils) for another chance to win…good luck!

Panacea

By Chris Gibbany
for Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys

My name is Chris Gibbany and I have been a BAM member for almost 10 years. I am from Harrison, a very small town in Arkansas. Although I have been riding since I was 16, I have never participated in a long ride and I have NEVER taken a “vacation” of any sort. When I found out that “The Long Road”, a 1000+ mile journey that ends up at The Smoke Out in Rockingham, North Carolina, was leaving from Eureka Springs, just 45 miles from where I live, I started making preparations to ride it on my rigid 1956 Harley FL Panhead. In the beginning there were seven of us who were going to ride vintage bikes there, with me being the only woman. I secured sponsorship to help me pay for expenses along the way. Sta-bil and 303 Products, made by Gold Eagle became my main sponsor. Avon Tyres came on board with a new set of tires; Spectro Oils gave me a case of 60 weight oil, Viking Bags and Motorcycle House supplied me with a Go-Pro and Baker Drivetrain helped out with a gas card. Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys offered me funds in return for the story about my ride…

At the last minute, four of the guys backed out. Since my husband and I were riding two old bikes, with him on a 1946 UL Flathead, we decided to bring a chase rig, leave a day early and arrive at The Smoke Out on Saturday instead of Friday. Even though “The Long Road” had no particular “rules”, we were no longer qualified to participate in it.

Our trip was pretty uneventful until we got to a small town in Tennessee where we just happened upon the type of motel where you sleep above the covers while firmly gripping the matching “husband and wife” Sig-Sauer pistols that we brought along. When my husband got a text from our chase driver, it read “Will trade beer for pistol”. He wasn’t kidding so we swapped items and each spent the night with one pistol per room with the chair up against the door.

Klock Werks Goes Cross-Country With Legend Suspensions

Press Release: Klock Werks “klocked out” two 2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glides, and no matter where you are in the country, you might have the opportunity to ride one!

Klock Werks teamed up with Legend Suspension, a suspension line producer out of Sturgis, SD, and is now along for the ride on the annual Legend Suspension Performance Tour and Demo Ride program across the country! Two vans with two bikes, seriously equipped with the best parts Drag Specialities and Parts Unlimited has to offer, haul from state to state to bring reps, dealers, and customers the opportunity to test product for themselves!

It all started about five years ago. Jesse Jurrens, owner, and his team at Legend Suspension knew there was a lot of opportunity in the nation that they weren’t able to tap into. It was time to take that potential into their own hands and inform reps and customers around the country in a new way.

“We knew there was a greater benefit to show up at dealers and have the reps, dealer, and customer ride, touch, and feel the product.” said Jesse.

The idea to tour the country began, and two years ago, the idea morphed into a plan in which two Ford transit vans would traverse the US, hitting as many folks as possible in 52 weeks.

Paramount to the success of the program is not just getting the products in front of people but creating a relationship with everyone they meet, from customers, to the techs, sales, and ownership.

Klock Werks already has dealers around the world involved in the “Try It Before You Buy It” Flare Windshield Demo program, but the partnership with Legends Suspensions is one more way for you to try the best products on the market before purchase! Think about the demo program as your own personal dressing room.

It’s this same first-hand experience that Klock Werks has dedicated years to with their campaign, Understand the Difference. Ninety-nine percent of people who demo the Flare Windshield for their motorcycle ride home with it that day. The increased stability, improved air management, and bobblehead elimination never fails to impress! Klock Werks parts don’t just look great, they are made from the best materials the US has to offer, and they actually improve the ride!

Along with the patented Flare Windshield from Klock Werks, the Road Glides have new Klock Werks Device Mounts, powered by iOmounts and Klock Werks audio kits, powered by KICKER. Check out these products for your ride at GetKlocked.com. Shop by Ride to only see parts for your model.

Check out Legend Suspensions on Facebook to see a list of Demo Events coming up, and be sure to talk to your local dealer to learn more about Klock Werks products. If they aren’t already running the “Try It Before You Buy It” program, we can help them get set up!

About Legend SuspensionsOur mission, simply stated, is to become a leader in the suspensions industry by using only the highest quality materials along with innovative yet practical designs. We believe our first responsibility is to satisfy the customer, while at the same time enhancing the way they feel while riding their motorcycle. Our customers are the life of our business, and we strive to fulfill their needs. Through a strong commitment to this mission, Legend Suspensions will be known as a value to the motorcycle industry and a leader in suspensions technology. Legend Suspensions is highly committed to manufacturing ONLY the highest quality, best performing suspensions available on the market.

About Klock WerksLocated in Mitchell, South Dakota, Klock Werks has grown from humble beginnings to a globally recognized Brand. Achieving status as “Air Management Experts”, Klock Werks credits this to the success of the original, patented, Flare Windshield. Also supplying fenders, handlebars, and other motorcycle parts, Klock Werks proudly leads the industry through innovation in design and quality of materials and fitment. Team Klock Werks has been successful for years designing parts, creating custom motorcycles, and setting records on the Bonneville Salt Flats. You will find motorcycles, family, and faith at the core of Klock Werks, along with a commitment to caring for the needs of enthusiasts around the world who enjoy their products.

K&N Heads to the 2017 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for a Week of Two Wheeled Horsepower

Press Release: This year marks the 77th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. For over seven decades, the event has served as a pilgrimage of powersports fans to the small Midwest town. Each year the town swells as hundreds of thousands of people make the trek out for a week of two-wheeled fun. K&N has been supporting Sturgis for several years and 2017 is no different.

From Saturday, August 5th through Friday, August 11th, the 17th annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit will be on display at the Buffalo Chip. K&N returns as one of the event sponsors for this year’s exhibit, themed Old Iron Young Blood. This display mashes young up-and-coming custom bike builders under 36 years old with artists in a one-of-a-kind display.

“The Motorcycles as Art exhibit is always a great show with a high level of craftsmanship in an artistic two-wheel form,” explained Ross Berlanga, Brand Manager at K&N. “This year’s exhibit will feature some of the leading trends from the next generation of builders that will keep Sturgis on the gas for another 77 years.”

Also at the Buffalo Chip, on Wednesday, August 9th is the 7th of 10 Super Hooligan Races. This “run what you brung” flat track series is title sponsored by Roland Sands Designs and K&N is proud to be a series sponsor. This is sure to be an entertaining race that will culminate in a giveaway of a custom RSD bike. You won’t want to miss it.

Finally, the K&N hauler will be at Black Hills Harley-Davidson all week. The newest Harley-Davidson intakes will be on display including the new Shaker and AirCharger styles in both matte black with brushed aluminum accents as well as matte grey with polished accents to match the H-D Blonde motors. There will also be giveaways, product install demonstrations, and famous 1 Wheel Revolution stuntman Rob Carpenter will be showing off his talents on his Dyna in front of the K&N rig.

This year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will be one for the record books. If you are planning on attending, be sure to stop by the K&N booth and speak with one of our knowledgeable staff about our new products or just grab some swag.

About K&N Engineering, Inc.
K&N Engineering in Riverside, California, is the world’s leading manufacturer of washable performance air filters and air intake systems. K&N invented the reusable high-flow cotton air filter in 1969 and has been perfecting the technology ever since. K&N is a world class filtration company selling air filters, oil filters, and air intakes in over 30 countries. K&N sells over 5,000 products designed for cars, trucks, motorcycles, engines, and industrial applications. From their Million Mile Warranty to their Consumer Protection Pledge, K&N stands behind their products and their consumers 100%. The distinctive K&N logo represents performance from one of the original performance companies.

Customized Indian Scout Bobbers Will Be Unveiled from Keino Cycles, Steve Caballero with Roland Sands Design, and Kraus Motor Co.

Press Release: Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, announced today its title sponsorship of The Ninth Annual Brooklyn Invitational Custom Motorcycle Show held September 9, 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. Along with its sponsorship, Indian will unveil three custom versions of the all-new Scout Bobber crafted by Keino Cycles, Kraus Motor Co. and skateboarding icon Steve Caballero, in conjunction with Roland Sands Design.

“With its lean and mean, minimalist design, the Scout Bobber provides builders an ideal platform for customization, and we’re excited to see the creative interpretations brought to life by these three unique customizers,” said Reid Wilson, Marketing Director – Indian Motorcycle. “The Brooklyn invitational carefully curates an exhibition of incredible customs and from some of the world’s most renowned builders, providing the ultimate venue for us to showcase these custom Scout Bobbers and demonstrate the bike’s potential.”

The all-new Scout Bobber was released during X Games weekend in Indian’s hometown of Minneapolis. The muscular new Scout represents a core passion of motorcyclists – connection to the road without a need for anything unnecessary. “Strip it down” was the mantra and inspiration Indian Motorcycle used when developing the latest model in its iconic Scout lineup. A low-slung, blacked-out, minimalist motorcycle that proves less is definitely more. Read More

Polaris Reports 2017 Second Quarter Results

Sales for the second quarter of 2017 increased 21% to $1,364.9 million; adjusted sales increased 20% to $1,358.8 million.

Second quarter 2017 reported net income was $0.97 per diluted share; adjusted net income for the same period was $1.16 per diluted share, slightly ahead of expectations

Polaris North American ORV unit retail sales were down low-single digits percent, a sequential improvement from the first quarter, with increasing side-by-side retail sales somewhat offsetting lower ATV retail sales. Indian Motorcycle continued to deliver strong retail sales increasing 17% for the quarter.

Total dealer inventory was down 6% year-over-year; ORV dealer inventory was down 6%

Polaris raising full year sales guidance and narrowing its earnings per share outlook. Adjusted net income expected to be in the range of $4.35 to $4.50 per diluted share with adjusted sales for the full year 2017 expected in the range of up 12% to 14%.

Note: the results and guidance in this release, including the highlights above, include references to non-GAAP operating measures, which are identified by the word “adjusted” preceding the measure. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures can be found at the end of this release.

Press Release: Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today reported second quarter 2017 sales of $1,364.9 million, up 21 percent, from $1,130.8 million for the second quarter of 2016. Adjusted sales, which excludes the impact from Victory Motorcycles® net sales for the second quarter of 2017, were $1,358.8 million compared to $1,130.8 million in the prior year period. The Company reported second quarter 2017 net income of $62.0 million, or $0.97 per diluted share, compared with net income of $71.2 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, for the 2016 second quarter. The reported net income included costs related to the wind down of Victory Motorcycles, certain Transamerican Auto Parts (“TAP”) integration and inventory step up costs, and manufacturing network realignment costs. Adjusted net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, excluding these costs, was $73.9 million, or $1.16 per diluted share. Read More

Indian Motorcycle Hits “Trifecta” With Three New Land Speed Records

Spirit of Munro 50th Anniversary 2017 Indian Scout Sets New Land Speed Record During Testing at El Mirage Dry Lakebed

Press Release: In preparation for the Burt Munro 50th anniversary commemorative run, Indian Motorcycle has set three new land speed records, according to the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA). Burt Munro’s great nephew, Lee Munro, and a pair of Indian Motorcycle technicians entered the record books on July 16 at El Mirage Dry Lakebed.

Credit – Nikolaus Wogen

“When you’re breaking records during test runs, you know your machine is on point. Our team of engineers has done an incredible job on the Spirit of Munro commemorative Scout.” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Product Development for Indian Motorcycle. “Running within a different class has allowed Lee to truly honor his great uncle Burt. As Burt’s record still stands, Lee now joins Burt within the record book.”

First among the three Indian riders was Chet Michaelson, engine calibration technician at Indian Motorcycle. In the M-PG (Modified-Pushrod Gasoline) 2000cc class, riding a 2015 Indian Chief Classic, Chet eclipsed the record of 151 MPH with a speed of 154.132 MPH.

The second Indian rider was Lee Munro – aboard the Spirit of Munro 50th anniversary 2017 Indian Scout. Competing in the MPS-G (Modified Partial Streamliner) 1350cc class, Lee needed to exceed 167 MPH for a new record. After completing his rookie runs during the May meet at El Mirage, this was the first chance to let the bike loose and explore its potential. Lee recorded a speed of 186.681 MPH, a new record and the Indian team was two for two. Read More

NCOM Biker Newsbytes

Millennials Are Negatively Impacting Motorcycling
U.S. motorcycle sales for Harley-Davidson, which represents about half of America’s big-bike market, were down 3.9% last year, and investment management firm Alliance Bernstein recently downgraded the Motor Company’s rating while citing the millennial generation as a key contributor in the brand’s downturn.

“Our data suggests the younger Gen Y population is adopting motorcycling at a far lower rate than prior generations,” AB analyst David Beckel told AOL’s Business Insider. “Gen Y’s are aging into the important ‘pre-family’ cohort of riders and Boomers are increasingly handing over their keys to the smaller Gen X population.”

Millennials have surpassed Baby Boomers in numbers to become the largest generation pool in the United States, and these 18 to 35-year-olds grew up during a recession, which has impacted their spending habits.

“I think we have got a very significant psychological scar from this great recession,” according to Morgan Stanley analyst Kimberly Greenberger. “One in every five households at the time were severely negatively impacted by that event. And, if you think about the children in that house and how the length and depth of that recession really impacted people, I think you have an entire generation with permanently changed spending habits.”

Bike-To-Vehicle (B2V) Technology To Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
Drivers involved in an accident with a motorcycle often claim they didn’t see the bike. Their smaller size, quickness and maneuverability makes motorcycles more difficult to identify in traffic. Autotalks, the world leader in V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication solutions, is launching its bike-to-vehicle (B2V) solution, a technology for the prevention of motorcycle accidents. The solution is based on the B2X (Bike-to-Everything) chipset developed by the Israeli company.

Research conducted by Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, finds that motorcycle-to-car communication could prevent almost one third of motorcycle related accidents, which has encouraged the German company to develop what they call a “digital protective shield” for riders. Digital visibility would warn the driver of a car about a motorcycle’s close presence, even when it’s not visible to the human eye.

The goal of the new technology is to prevent accidents from occurring, by providing warning notices on dashboards. The data would be exchanged by vehicle transmitters through public WLAN and ITS-G5. Potential hazards and nearby motorcycles would then show up on satellite navigation, including direction of travel, position, speed, acceleration, and vehicle type.

Advantages of the Autotalks’ B2V solution include simple integration, low power consumption, the smallest form factor, highest range of operating temperature and smallest physical size, which results in its resistance to the strong vibration and challenging environmental conditions of motorcycles.

Oregon Enacts R-O-W Law To Protect Motorcyclists
A “Right-of-Way” or R-O-W law has been enacted in Oregon, as House Bill 2598 was signed by Governor Kate Brown on June 20, 2017. The bill also known as the “Milkman Mike Act” or the “Driver Responsibility Bill” will become law on January 1, 2018 and expands the offense of vehicular assault to include contact with motorcycle, motorcycle operator or motorcycle passenger that causes physical injury.

“This means that if a reckless driver injures a motorcycle rider or their passenger, the driver can be charged with vehicular assault and will be a Class A Misdemeanor,” reports the Oregon Confederation of Clubs. The punishment can be doing time up to one year in prison and a maximum fine up to a $6,250.

“This is a great win for Oregon riders!!,” states the Oregon COC on their website (www.oregoncoc.org). “Now we have something that has some teeth in it to punish drivers who are determined to be ‘reckless’. We have had too many brothers and sisters run down by car drivers getting a ticket for nominal money or no ticket at all. At best they get a slight bump in their insurance rates. And in the case of no ticket, their insurance company never really has a clue they have a high risk client on their hands.

“All it took was a sharp attorney (Oregon A.I.M. Attorney Christopher Slater) to do a very simple thing. He had the great idea to look to see if there is existing legislation. He found legislation that covered bicyclists and pedestrians (ORS 811.060). From there it was easy to add a few words…’motorcycle rider and passenger.’ It was so simple it was brilliant. Much thanks to Christopher and his efforts. Many thanks to BikePac of Oregon and ABATE of Oregon who also worked hard to make this bill a reality.

“And may Milkman Mike rest in peace forever. This legislation is something he worked hard to achieve for many years. He was unable to see it done due to a health issue and we lost him several years ago. Mike was constantly working within the motorcycle rights community. He also worked as the coordinator for the Coalition of Independent Riders (COIR). He spent a great amount of time adding non affiliated and independent riders to his communication roster.”

North Carolina To Provide Driver Instruction On Law Enforcement Stops
Similar to a measure recently adopted in Louisiana to teach new licensees how to interact with police during traffic stops, House Bill 21 “Driver Instruction/Law Enforcement Stops” has been approved unanimously by the North Carolina legislature and signed into law by Governor Roy Cooper on July 12, 2017.

HB 21 provides that “The Division, in consultation with the State Highway Patrol, the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association, and the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, shall include in the driver license handbook a description of law enforcement procedures during traffic stops and the actions that a motorist should take during a traffic stop, including appropriate interactions with law enforcement officers.”

Ohio ‘Dead Red’ Law Amended For Bicycles Only
During a lame-duck legislative session ending last December, the Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 154, commonly referred to as a “Dead Red” law, allowing all vehicles and bicycles to treat a malfunctioning traffic signal as a stop sign and to proceed through a red light after a reasonable time has elapsed, as long as the intersection is clear and you must yield to oncoming traffic with the right of way. Signed by the governor, the new law was to take effect in March, but an amendment was introduced and fast-tracked as an emergency measure to remove all motor vehicles (cars, trucks and motorcycles) from the law, and House Bill 9 amended the red light section to apply to bicycles only. Read More

Harley-Davidson Announces Second Quarter 2017 Results

Company Delivered Strong Margins, Retail Sales Lower Than Expected

Press Release:Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) second quarter 2017 diluted EPS decreased 4.5 percent to $1.48 compared to $1.55 in the second quarter of 2016. Second quarter net income was $258.9 million on consolidated revenue of $1.77 billion versus net income of $280.4 million on consolidated revenue of $1.86 billion for the same period in 2016.

“We are pleased with our ability to deliver strong margins in the quarter despite challenging market conditions, particularly in the U.S.,” said Matt Levatich, president and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “Given U.S. industry challenges in the second quarter and the importance of the supply and demand balance for our premium brand, we are lowering our full-year shipment and margin guidance.”

Harley-Davidson worldwide retail motorcycle sales were down 6.7 percent in the second quarter compared to the same period in 2016. Harley-Davidson retail motorcycle sales in the U.S. were down 9.3 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, with the overall U.S. industry down for the same period. Harley-Davidson’s U.S. market share for the quarter was 48.5 percent in the 601cc-plus segment. Harley-Davidson’s international retail sales decreased 2.3 percent compared to the second quarter in 2016.

Through six months, Harley-Davidson’s 2017 diluted EPS was $2.53, down 13.1 percent from $2.91 in the year-ago period. For the first six months, Harley-Davidson’s 2017 net income was $445.2 million on consolidated revenue of $3.27 billion compared to six-month 2016 net income of $530.9 million on consolidated revenue of $3.61 billion. Through six months, worldwide retail motorcycle sales were down 5.7 percent from the same period in 2016.

“Our long-term strategy, focused on building the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders, is our true north. Our new product investment is one pillar of our long-term strategy to build riders globally and we are energized by the strength of our model year 2018 motorcycles coming later this summer,” said Levatich.

The Full 2017 Buffalo Chip Lineup With Two More Headliners

No, we don’t know if you got the raise at work.
We also don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl.
And we haven’t seen your test results either.
But frankly, this news will make you forget you even cared about any of those things in the first place, because it’s…

Thirteen more bands, including two more headliners, have joined the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, blink-182, Shinedown, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Doobie Brothers, Pop Evil and many, many others to round out the concert lineup this year!

To commemorate the monumental 2017 lineup of concerts, entertainment and events at the Best Party Anywhere, the Buffalo Chip commissioned artist EZ Wheelin’ to create an insanely cool collector’s edition art print that anyone (including you) would be stoked to have hanging on their wall!

Press Release: The addition of 13 more acts, including chart-topping rock bands Blue Oyster Cult and All That Remains completes the 2017 Sturgis Buffalo Chip band lineup, leaving no doubt that “Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling®” is again presenting another spectacular lineup. The Buffalo Chip has already announced dozens of legendary artists who cater to classic rock, heavy metal and country music fans such as Ozzy Osbourne, The Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, blink-182, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Shinedown, Justin Moore and many more. Some of the world’s top party bands have also made the list including Pop Evil, Alter Bridge, Blackberry Smoke, RATT, Night Ranger, Drowning Pool and Trapt. More band information and the official 2017 full lineup announcement video which features some of the most scenic rides in the Black Hills can be found here: BuffaloChip.com/BANDS

Blue Oyster Cult, best known for their mega hit, “Don’t Fear (The Reaper),” will perform on the Wolfman Jack Stage for the festival’s grand final on Saturday, Aug. 12. They are credited as one of the pioneers of music videos, and helped to propel MTV to success with their videos, particularly “Burnin’ For You.” Melodic-metalcore maniacs, All That Remains will perform on the Wolfman Jack Stage Friday, Aug. 11. They’ve sold over a million records world-wide and recently released their eighth album, “Madness.”

Bands also making the cut, with the help from global emerging artist music platform ReverbNation, to perform on the Chip’s legendary Wolfman Jack Stage include BC & The Big Rig, Madame Mayhem, Carolina Wray, Stolen Rhodes, Jimmie Bratcher and The Dirtboxwailers. Those chosen to perform on the Buffalo Chip’s six showcase stages include The Hawkeyes, Charlie Brechtel Band, Well Hung Heart, Big Skillet, DJ Hulio and The Buffalo Dreamers.

Press Release: Super Hooligan flat track racing is BACK! Roland Sands and his crew will go handlebar to handlebar in the second annual RSD Super Hooligan race presented by Indian Motorcycle inside the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s amphitheater on Wednesday, Aug. 9. We invite racers and fans of motorcycle racing to participate and attend during this year’s 77th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. At the Buffalo Chip, the riders are scheduled to take to the track for Round 6 of the Super Hooligan National Championship (SHNC) race series with classes including: Super Hooligan, Amateur Hooligan, Run What Ya Brung (costumes encouraged), Vintage, Tank Shift, Lady Hooligan and a $5K Cash Purse Pro Open Singles class. Afterwards, stick around to enjoy the blistering audio of Ozzy Osbourne. All brands of bikes are welcome to race.

The Street Drag Invitational Races with Crazy John will also be back to pit even more show bikes in head-to-head, hat drop street races down the middle of the amphitheater immediately preceding the Super Hooligan races. Two Indian Scout Sixties, one customized by Roland Sands and the other by Carey Hart, will be given away on the main stage that evening. Register to win one of these bad ass customs at BuffaloChip.com/EVENTS/Moto-Stampede/Motorcycle-Giveaway.

“The Buffalo Chip has paired these races with one of the rally’s biggest concerts, Pop Evil and Ozzy Osbourne, to create a series of events all on one day neither the rally nor the world has ever before seen,” said Rod Woodruff, Sturgis Buffalo Chip President. “The Super Hooligan races will shake the ground with excitement and gather steam for an incredible night of world-class rock on the main stage.”

Audiences at the Buffalo Chip will have an up-close viewing experience of the RSD Super Hooligan races. The track winds through the center of the amphitheater and offers track-side and prime, elevated viewing areas.

One pass includes access to all races, concerts and events held within the campground and tent camping. Passes may be purchased for each day with multi-day packages offering the best value. More info can be found HERE.

About Super Hooligan:The spirit of hooligan racing comes from a simpler time, when you raced – and could ride home on – any bike you owned. With its roots in Southern California motorcycle culture, today’s flat track hooligan racing category is rapidly gaining in popularity with riders of all ages and experience levels across the nation by offering the fun of motorcycle competition in a less structured environment. Combining the craft of custom motorcycles and racing the Super Hooligan rules are loose and limit the bikes to 750CC and up twins in stock frames with dirt track tires and no front brakes. Read More

A rider leaves Mt. Rushmore, Sunday, August 7, 2005, as others stop on the shoulder to shoot photos.

Harley-Davidson Gearing Up For 77th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Festivities at Largest U.S. Motorcycle Rally to Include Free Demo Rides, Special Events, Fierce Flat Track Racing and More

Press Release: The sound of freedom will rumble through the Black Hills when thousands of motorcyclists join Harley-Davidson, the official motorcycle of the largest motorcycle rally in the United States, at the 77th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally August 5-12.

“The great riding, the motorcycle tradition, and the wide-open fun: That’s what makes Sturgis ‘Sturgis,’” said James Newton, Harley-Davidson U.S. Events Manager. “And, this year is even bigger and better. We invite all riders to roll into Harley Headquarters to take a demo ride, see the latest gear and accessories and meet up with Harley-Davidson riders from around the world who’ve trekked to the 77th Sturgis.”

Harley-Davidson will again rock the Black Hills from August 5-12, at its headquarters at the Sturgis Community Center on Lazelle Street and the Harley-Davidson Rally Point on Main Street. Scheduled events include music, parties, free demo rides on new 2017 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, H.O.G. member special events, the electrifying Wall of Death, and Harley-Davidson-sponsored American Flat Track racing at Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City.

To follow all of the fun in real time, tune in to #Sturgis on social media.

Stunts, bike shows, the Sturgis Rider Superstore and more combine to make the CrossRoads a rally hot spot. Premium accessories and exclusive service perks include free Indian Motorcycle loaners while services are being performed.

Press Release:The essential rally experience of shopping for motorcycle parts and accessories, and getting a tune up or a trick out has now become centralized to a one-stop shop with the opening of the all-new Sturgis Rider Superstore, located at the free-access CrossRoads at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. This new destination adds to the exciting and eclectic mix of events, attractions and entertainment at the CrossRoads, which includes acres of paved vendor shopping, plenty of free parking, OEM and custom bike displays, stunts shows, bike shows, bikini bike wash, live music tasty food, $2 beers and clean restrooms.

Mechanics, Wrenching and Free Indian Motorcycle LoanersThe Sturgis Rider Superstore will open for the first time on Friday, Aug. 4, offering parts installs, mechanic services and must-have motorcycle merchandise. Indian Motorcycles will be on hand to offer a free loaner to anyone left needing a ride while receiving a Spectro Oil change or having new Metzeler tires or Kuryakyn parts installed. Appointments for Indian loaner bikes are recommended. Shoppers will find a parts paradise at the Sturgis Rider Superstore and can run a dyno test at the Harmonious Dyno Center, or upgrade their rides with products from Extreme Audio. The Superstore offers free bike parking, easy access to entertainment, restrooms, food and beverages.

Those interested can get more information about the Sturgis Rider Superstore at BuffaloChip.com/SuperStore.

Bad Ass Bike ShowsA series of free bike shows will be offering a display of beastly beauties nearly every day starting with the FXR Bike Show and Dyna Mixer on Sunday, Aug. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free, no-nonsense motorcycle event brings together riders and anyone who wants to talk motorcycles. Full Throttle Magazine will be offering free shows both Monday and Tuesday with registration beginning at noon both days. On Wednesday, Aug. 9, American Bagger and Urban Bagger Magazine in association with Strip Club Choppers present the Sexiest Bagger Show with multiple awards and a magazine feature for the best of show. The Granddaddy of all shows, the Rat’s Hole Bike Show, will bring together an impressive crew of international judges and builders on Thursday, Aug. 10.

Easy-Access Premium FuelingEvery biker on the hunt for super premium fuel at a convenient location will find 93 octane E10 gas from Renewable Fuels Association available 24/7 at the Buffalo Chip’s brand-new, self-serve Stop & Fuel gas station located at the east end of the CrossRoads. This high-octane fuel is approved by all American motorcycle manufacturers. Renewable Fuels will also be bringing back its popular “Free Fuel Happy Hour” where bikers can fill up for free 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8 – Thursday, Aug. 10.

BMW Demo RidesFor the first time ever, BMW Motorrad USA is offering free demo rides on its soon-to-be-released K 1600 B “Bagger,” and the company has chosen the CrossRoads as the place to do it. Ten of the highly anticipated new bikes will be shipped to the Buffalo Chip for the exclusive demo ride opportunity, along with a full stable of new innovative BMW motorcycle models.

Exhilarating Stunt ShowsStuntman Clint Ewing, best known as the man who nearly died attempting to pass through a tunnel of fire at the Chip in 2013, is back with an even hotter stunt show, although it no longer involves actual fire. Clint’s toasty bike is on display on the upper deck. He and his crew of super bike manipulators will be performing at the CrossRoads Monday, Aug 7 – Thursday, Aug. 10.

Bell Helmets has invited the top stunt riders to come out on Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 3:30 p.m. and go head to head in a stunt competition that will be judged by famed racer, builder and freestyle motocross legend Carey Hart, Wild Gypsy Tour founder Leticia Cline and some of their adrenaline junkie friends. The winner will take home $1,500, and second place $500 presented by Dualigans. Immediately following the contest, a Dualigans Party will take place. Join Bell Helmets, Carey Hart, Leticia Cline and friends at the CrossRoads.

New American Crew Barber ShopMatty the Barber will be hanging his barber pole at the new Buffalo Chip Barber Shop sponsored by American Crew, offering straight razor shaves, trims, cuts and more. The Barber Show is located at the north end of the CrossRoads.

Easy Rider Originals and Traveler InformationWith its 50th anniversary approaching in 2019, fans of the iconic biker film “Easy Rider” will be able to nab up hard-to-find original movie posters, photos and art all recently released from the collection of an avid fan at the Buffalo Chip Gift Shop. The Buffalo Chip Chamber will be open to assist all bikers with information, load them up with free swag and help them get entered into the Moto Stampede Bike Giveaway. Two lucky winners will take home an Indian Scout Sixty customized by Roland Sands or Carey Hart.

The Big Engine Bar at the CrossRoads opened July 1 with $2 beers and $3 well drinks, all day, every day through Aug. 12.

Those interested can get more information about CrossRoads at BuffaloChip.com/CrossRoads.

About The Sturgis Buffalo ChipThe Sturgis Buffalo Chip is the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling. It is the world’s first and leading entertainment destination for the motorcycle enthusiast and 2017 South Dakota Excellence in Tourism Innovation award winner. Since 1981, the venue’s high-profile, nine-day festival, known as The Best Party Anywhere, remains one of the world’s most televised and longest running independent music festivals. Located three miles east of Sturgis, SD on 600 creek-fed acres, it offers eight stages of entertainment, a swimming hole, bars, mouth-watering food, showers, cabins, RVs, camping and more to visitors traveling from all corners of the world. The Chip’s concerts are free with camping. The 2017 Motorcycles as Art exhibit, “Old Iron/Young Blood – Motorcycles and the Next Gen” curated by Michael Lichter, numerous bike and stunt shows and all shopping, live music and events at the CrossRoads are free and open to the public. More details are available at www.BuffaloChip.com.

Carey Hart Gets Tattooed w/ Ink from Indian Motorcycle

Motorcycles are in his blood. To prove it in grand fashion, self-described rebel and third generation motorcycle rider, Carey Hart used a unique ink to permanently inscribe his son’s name on his neck.

Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, has created the world’s first tattoo ink composed of the carbon from freestyle motocross icon Carey Hart’s modified Indian Scout. Artists & Co-Founder of Nocturnal Ink, Franco Vescovi, made the ink by carefully extracting a sample of tire rubber obtained from a burnout Hart performed on his bike. To ensure safety, toxins were removed and the carbon was sterilized before Carey’s son’s name, Jamison, was tattoo on his neck. As a result, Carey Hart became the first known reception of a tattoo from their motorcycle.

The Indian Motorcycle Ink will be used exclusively at Vescovi’s Vatican Studios in Lake Forest, CA and at four Hart & Huntington Tattoo shops in Las Vegas, Orlando, Niagara Falls and Nashville beginning July 11th until they run out, and the ink is gone forever.

“Since 1901, Indian Motorcycle has been a trailblazer, establishing a wide range of ‘firsts’ in manufacturing, racing or other legendary motorcycling achievements, and this is another example of Indian doing something that’s never been done before,” said Reid Wilson, Director of Marketing for Indian. “Indian Motorcycle Ink embodies our value of leading, rather than following, to blaze entirely new trails where others have never ventured.”

Born Free 9

If you haven’t been, you’ve probably at the very least heard of the motorcycle mecca that is the Born Free Motorcycle Show, held annually in Southern California’s Santiago Canyon. The event started out as a small chopper gathering in the streets of LA, catering to a few hundred spectators, and has grown into a weekend long event with over 30,000 attendees and counting. With Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys as Title Sponsor in BF’s ninth year, it’s clear that the event is no longer a grass-roots-driven chopper-only event, but a bucket list destination for any motorcycle enthusiast who appreciates the DIY idealism behind building a custom motorcycle, but also the community that keeps this custom culture alive.

A weekend at the Born Free show grounds can be described a number of ways. With no cell service and the chic moto fashion abundant, it’s almost like a step back in time to the chopper days of the 70’s. Despite the 100+ degree heat over the weekend, vendors and spectators made sure to make the best of it. Water guns were hidden in most of the vendor booths, choppers made their way into kiddie pools to create temporary exhaust-driven swamp coolers, dozens tried out the dunk tank, and the famous Loser Machine boob kegs poured PBR’s for hours on end. Dumptruck and crew could be found in their speedos, assaulting the eyes of those who braved to stare at their attire for the day. If there’s a simple way to put it: Born Free is a giant motorcycle party with you and thousands of the closest friends you didn’t know you had. This isn’t your typical motorcycle gathering and/or “rally.”

Best Friends and Above the Knee Bi-Lateral Amputees to Trade off Piloting an Indian Scout Avenger Sidecar from Los Angeles to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Press Release: Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, and “Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis,” announced today veterans Corporal Joshua Stein, U.S. Army (Ret.) and Corporal Neil Frustaglio, U.S. Marines (Ret.) have been named as the honorary “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime” selectees. The two post-9/11 veteran heroes were chosen from over 50 total entries in a nomination program that called upon friends and family members to submit deserving veterans for an once-in-a-lifetime motorcycle therapy adventure.

Corporal Joshua Stein, US Army (Ret.) joined the Army in February of 2005 as a 12B Combat Engineer, and was deployed to Iraq in December. On Easter Sunday of 2006, Josh and his team were struck by an Explosively Formed Penetrator bomb that blasted through their armored Bradley vehicle and immediately severed and cauterized both of Josh’s legs. Doctors in Iraq prioritized limb salvage, saving both his arms, and transported him back to the U.S., where he eventually woke up out of a medically induced coma with his family surrounding him a the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio Texas. Following a long battle, and significant rehabilitation, Josh found a purpose at the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) from which he’ll be graduating in Phoenix, Arizona on July 7, 2017.

Josh’s best friend, Corporal Neil Frustaglio, US Marines (Ret.) joined the Marines right after graduating high school and was deployed in September of 2005 with his unit to Ramadi, Iraq. While on a mission providing security during the Iraqi elections, Neil’s convoy sustained two massive IED explosions. As a result of the blasts, Neil lost both of his legs above the knee and received third-degree burns to twenty percent of his body, forcing him to undergo 24 surgeries and intense physical therapy at the young age of twenty-two. In a significant effort to turn around his life, support his family and maintain a regular life, Neil went back to work and eventually to school. He graduated in December 2016 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Arizona State University. Neil grew up riding motorcycles, was constantly on a bike before his injury.

“We’re extremely excited for this year’s ride to Sturgis. We have a great group of veterans joining us, and each and every year is special in its own right,” said David Frey, Veterans Charity Ride Founder. “Our Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime selectees, Josh and Neil, know a thing or two about resiliency. It’ll be incredible to witness two above-the-knee bi-lateral amputees push and motivate one another half way across the country as they trade off riding an Indian Scout Avenger Sidecar. That indomitable spirit and nature will be powerful for our entire group of veterans.”

The two heroes will pilot an Indian Scout Avenger Sidecar with modifications made by John Meade, owner of Azzkikr Custom Baggers, and his veteran employees in Phoenix, AZ. The Indian Scout Sidecar rig will be outfitted with a Rekluse Clutch, which eliminates the need to pull the clutch handle for shifting, a hand shift mechanism so the amputee rider can shift the bike manually, and the rear brake system will be moved and adapted to a hand brake on the left handlebar. The Scout will be complete with a custom Corbin seat to provide extra comfort and seating area for the long journey.

The Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis will depart from Los Angeles on July 28, on Indian Motorcycles and Champion Sidecars. The therapeutic adventure provides participating veterans the opportunity to work toward overcoming their post-war challenges while out on the open road. Riding through the most scenic back roads of the western United States, veterans will not only experience the great outdoors and the beauty this country has to offer, but also make stops to meet with other veterans, supporters, riders, and participate in various adjacent adventures. Upon arrival in Sturgis on August 5, the group will be treated to a special “Heroes Welcome” before taking part in a week of activities that further solidify the brotherhood and sisterhood formed during the ride.

The Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis was conceived and developed by veteran Army Paratrooper Dave Frey and Emmy Award-winning producer and director Robert Manciero of Full Vision Productions, leveraging the therapeutic effects of motorcycle riding to create an adventure of a lifetime for wounded veterans.

S&S at Born Free Show 9

From S&S Cycle:

There’s so much to see at So Cal’s Born Free Show – from choppers, to race bikes, Dynas and FXRs, baggers, trikes, minibikes, flatheads, knuckleheads, shovelheads, panheads.. we could go on and on.

Born Free hosted it’s first flat track race at the infamous Costa Mesa Speedway, where the “run what ya brung Harley night” was a huge success. Many of the hooligans started on this very track! Check out some behind the scenes action in the pits, some on the track action from S&S employee Todd, and all the fun we had at this awesome event.

Laid Back Manor

A Biker Bed And Breakfast

This is Clean Dean Shawler. Almost two decades ago, I met Amy Irene White when she began her career as a biker journalist by freelancin’ for Easyriders. Now she’s my lady and we have built a bed and breakfast in Green Mountain, Iowa, right down the street from my bank that I live in called Laid Back Manor.

Its built for and by old scooter tramps, so you can bet yer Harley that you can find everything you need, including things like a bunkhouse where you can pull your scoot in outta the weather and even a hot tub in the best little bathhouse in Iowa. Amy cooks food that will make you wanna go home and slap yer ol’ lady, and has a keen sense of what it takes to make you feel right at home. Plenty of fine beddin’ and interestin’ things to see make it a really great little place to ride to. We are centrally located in America making us a convenient stop on many of your travels. There are many historical places to check out, and some great ridin’ roads in between.

Oh yeah, Vietnam Vets stay for free, and all other vets for the year they were born. We have discounts for ABATE and patches and Weasels, too!

I think we have a great lil’ place here, our friends can tell you how much fun they have when they visit. Many of you have met Amy over the years. Whether you encountered her on the streets of D.C. or the beaches of Daytona… whether she was in a suit and heels hot on the heels of Donald Trump, or marching hellbent for leather across Texas in red cowboy boots… there’s one thing we all have to agree on, if she says she’s gonna do something, she’ll get ‘ER done.

Avon Tyres sponsors the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover

Press Release:Those in dire need of new motorcycle tires, gear and accessories have an opportunity to score a load of new products, including a set of Avon Tyres—but must act fast. Entries for the annual Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover 2017 must be made by July 7, 2017.

Those wishing to enter should submit an essay of 600 words or less describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover, and include a photo (JPEG no larger than 5MB), to bikermakeover@garage-girls.com. Men and women are both eligible to win.

Contest submissions will be narrowed down to four finalists by judges selected from Garage-Girls. Judges will then decide who among the final four most deserves the Ultimate Biker Makeover. The contest winner will be announced Aug. 10 on Garage-Girls.com and on the Garage-Girls Facebook page.

This is the sixth year that Avon Tyres has been a sponsor of the annual contest. The 2016 winner was Leah Misch of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Misch, an American Red Cross volunteer, shared her story of traveling nearly 17,000 miles on her bike last year. She faced challenges including dangerous weather while traveling solo, and ultimately wore her gear thin.

The Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover 2017 grand prize package includes: A set of tires from AVON Tyres, a wardrobe of shoes from Harley-Davidson Footwear, a case of full synthetic oil from Spectro Oils, a new Mustang motorcycle seat, a Valerie bag by Motochic, and surprises from S&S Cycle, Klock Werks, Kuryakyn, DEI, Memphis Shades, Indian Motorcycle, and much more!

About Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America

Based in Stow, Ohio, Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America markets and sells Avon brand motorcycle tires in the United States and Canada. Avon tires are designed and manufactured for street and racing applications, from ultra wide tires featuring snakeskin effect sidewalls to ultra high-performance sport bike tires. Avon’s long history and heritage of innovation reaches back more than 100 years. Based in Melksham, England, Avon tires are built to perform and are engineered to high standards incorporating the latest engineering technology. For more information visit http://www.avonmoto.com.

Some of Hollywood’s brightest stars and motorcycling’s top industry leaders will hit the road with riders at the 2017 Legends Ride presented by GEICO Motorcycle, and meet and mingle with a select few at a special lunch.

Press Release: Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars will be joining the Buffalo Chip’s milestone 10th Anniversary 2017 Legends Ride and entertaining guests at the Legends Lunch in Deadwood, S.D. on Monday, Aug. 7, making the events two of the hottest tickets of the rally. In addition to having long been known as the place to catch celebrities as they mingle with riders, this signature Buffalo Chip charity event also generates significant funds with 100 percent of rider fees donated to South Dakota Special Olympics and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. The 10th Anniversary, 165 horsepower performance-styled Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider customized by S&S Cycle and other unique items will be auctioned in support of the Legends Ride on Deadwood Main Street shortly before the ride departs. The addition of the separately ticketed five-course Legends Lunch at Deadwood’s Franklin Hotel’s Legends Restaurant has added an opportunity for some real face-to-face time with celebrities in an intimate setting. Proceeds from the 2017 lunch will be donated to the Infinite Hero Foundation and the Sgt. Colton Levi Derr Foundation.

The Stars Come Out

Tom Berenger Major League

Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-Winning actor Tom Berenger will be joining the ride as honorary Ride Captain and taking a seat with a few lucky riders at the elite Legends Lunch. Berenger has starred in a long list of Hollywood’s biggest hit movies and TV shows, and is most well-known for his roles in “Platoon,” “Major League,” “The Hatfield’s & McCoys,” “Inception,” “Sniper,” “Training Day” and “The Big Chill.” Berenger also stars in the movie “American Dresser,” which was partially filmed at the Buffalo Chip and is set to be released in theaters this summer.

Pat Simmons

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Pat Simmons of The Doobie Brothers will be enjoying the five-course meal and chatting with the limited few who purchase Legends Lunch tickets. Simmons wrote “Black Water,” the first of a long string of the band’s hits that includes “What a Fool Believes,” “Real Love,” “Long Train Runnin’,” “The Doctor,” “China Grove,” “Jesus is Just Alright,” “Listen the Music,” “Minute By Minute,” and many more. He may also be seen at the Legends Ride auction on Deadwood’s Main Street.

Carmine Cangialosi

Screen writer, actor and producer Carmine Cangialosi will be hanging out and riding through the Black Hills with Legends riders and will also be making new friends at the Legends Lunch. He wrote and has a starring role in the new movie “American Dresser.”

Zahn McClarnon

Actor Zahn McClarnon, best known for his roles as Hanzee Dent in the TV series “Fargo” and as Tribal Police Chief Mathias in the TV series “Longmire,” will also join Legends Riders. McClarnon has also appeared in “Into the West,” “Timeless,” AMC’s “The Son” and many more.

Carey Hart

Famed custom bike builder and freestyle motocross racer Carey Hart will help lead the ride. He has competed in the Gravity Games and picked up several gold and silver medals in the X Games. He was featured in the A&E show “Inked,” hosted the X Games for ABC, was a cast member on the VH1 reality show “The Surreal Life,” and appeared in the movie “Charlies Angels: Full Throttle.” He competed in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, and has been featured in nationwide ad campaigns for Ford Motor Company, Dunkin’ Donuts and Mountain Dew. He is married to singer Pink. Read More

Legend Suspensions Demo Rides During Sturgis Rally

Legend Suspensions would like to invite everyone to the 77th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Legend Suspensions will be offering Demo Rides of their Legend REVO, Legend AERO and Legend AXEO suspensions at their manufacturing facility, located at 3461 Whitewood Service Road, Sturgis, SD 57785. Legend Suspensions will also be open to the public for product sales, service, and installations. Legend takes appointments via phone or email and walk-ins when availability allows. Legend Suspensions is open Monday through Thursday 7am to 4pm, year-round. For more information, to schedule an appointment, or for further details contact Legend Suspensions: 605-720-4202 service@legendsuspensions.com Legend Suspensions is highly committed to manufacturing only the highest quality, best performing suspensions available on the market. Legend Suspensions have a LIFETIME warranty and are proudly made here in Sturgis, SD USA. Legend Suspensionswww.LegendSuspensions.com

Ultimate Freedom Fighter Honored By Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

Press Release: In keeping with the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s mission to Honor the Rider, the special “Freedom Fighter” award recognizing an individual who has fought to protect the rights of motorcyclists was instituted in 2001. The Freedom Fighter for 2017 is posthumous recognition of Michael “Balls” Farabaugh lifetime of protecting motorcyclist’s right.

“Michael is the original freedom fighter,” says Tigra Tsujikawa, Marketing & Development Director for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall Of Fame. “He co-founded ABATE of Indiana, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and launched the annual Meeting Of The Minds conference. As the long-time Executive Director of ABATE, Balls was respected for his honesty and integrity by the biker community – as a 30-year member of the American Motorcycle Association’s Board of Directors, Mr. Farabaugh was able to bring the OEMs and the politicians to the table,” says Tsujikawa.

As passionate as Farabaugh was when it came to motorcycle rights organizations, he was equally committed to rider safety. “He successfully lobbied many state legislatures into giving publicly funded rider training parity with drivers ed. Michael graduated from the first Motorcycle Safety Foundation Chief Instructor Program in 1980 and he and his wife Debby, also an MSF instructor, taught survival skills to literally thousands of riders and instructor trainees over the years.”

Mayor of Ryder, Jody Reinisch, presides over the town’s Main Street. To launch riding season, Harley-Davidson will ride into Ryder Saturday, June 3 with the aim of creating the first fully motorcycle licensed town. Ryder city officials will change the town’s name to “Riders” this riding season to commemorate the experience.

Harley-Davidson Roars Into Ryder, N.D. To Transform Town Into Motorcycle Riders

City to Change Name to “Riders,” Drives to Become First Fully Motorcycle Licensed Town in America

Press Release: Ryder, N.D. was established in 1906, but in 2017, Harley-Davidson will offer the entire town – population 84 – the opportunity to learn to ride, and become licensed motorcycle riders.

Harley-Davidson will ride into Ryder Saturday, June 3 with the goal to create the first fully motorcycle licensed town. Qualifying residents across generations, from grandparents to grandchildren, will receive the opportunity to learn the basics of motorcycle riding and experience firsthand how easy – and fun – it can be to learn to ride.

Whether traveling the rolling country roads of North Dakota, or commuting to an urban office environment, the freedom and adventure of motorcycle riding is undeniable. Harley-Davidson motorcycles can enable riders to discover the thrill of the open road, create new friendships, share richer experiences, and live life on their own terms.

Ryder, N.D. residents gather in front of the town’s newly refurbished water tower, which has become a landmark for motorcycle riders in the Dakotas. To launch riding season, Harley-Davidson will ride into Ryder Saturday, June 3 with the aim of creating the first fully motorcycle licensed town. To commemorate the experience, Ryder city officials will change the town’s name to “Riders” this riding season.

“In Ryder – and across the country –Harley-Davidson is passionate about creating opportunities for new riders to experience and enjoy the sport of motorcycling. With summer quickly approaching, there’s never been a better time to learn how to ride a motorcycle,” said Anoop Prakash, Director, U.S. Marketing and Market Development, Harley-Davidson. “By teaching the entire town of Ryder we believe we’ll show others how easy – and fun – it can be to make the switch from four wheels to two.”

To commemorate the experience, Ryder city officials will change the town’s name to “Riders” this riding season. Additionally, to help welcome all future riders, Harley-Davidson helped refurbish the town’s water tower – mirroring the design of the famous water tower that sits atop Harley-Davidson headquarters in Milwaukee.

“The town of Ryder welcomes the roar of Harley-Davidson motorcycles down Main Street,” said Mayor of Ryder, Jody Reinisch. “We’re excited to see several generations of Ryder residents on motorcycles learning together, trying new life experiences and enjoying the beauty of our town and surrounding area like never before.”

Harley-Davidson event staffer Chris Swain lines up motorcycles on Main Street in Ryder, N.D., in preparation for the event on Saturday, June 3, where Harley-Davidson will aim to create the first fully motorcycle licensed town. To commemorate the experience, Ryder city officials will change the town’s name to “Riders” this riding season.

Want to Become a Rider, Too? Stop Dreaming and Start Riding Today
If this is your year to learn to ride, H-D Riding Academy will help get you out and building your skills on two wheels in just a few days. The Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy New Rider Course gives you all you need to get your license and ready to ride in just a few classes.

Offered at select H-D dealers, the New Rider Course provides you with expert guidance from Harley-Davidson certified coaches. In the classroom, you’ll get to know the motorcycle you’ll be riding and learn the basics of rider safety skills. On the practice range, you’ll build skills and confidence, learning everything from braking, turning and skilled maneuvers. Best of all, you will be connected to a growing community of new riders.

To find available courses near you, contact your local dealer or search for classes at www.h-d.com.

About Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Since 1903, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom with cruiser, touring and custom motorcycles, riding experiences and events, and a complete line of Harley-Davidson® motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise, riding gear and apparel. For more information, visit www.h-d.com.

Harley-Davidson Returns To The Beach For Laconia Motorcycle Week

Press Release: Harley-Davidson is moving to the heart of the Laconia Motorcycle Week action with a new Weirs Beach venue that will be open for the duration of “The World’s Oldest Motorcycle Rally,” June 10-18, in scenic New Hampshire.

For the first time in years, all Harley-Davidson exhibits, events and free demo rides on new Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be conveniently located directly across the street from the entrance to the drive-in across from the Weirs Beach landmark sign on Endicott Street North.

“Since 1918, the annual run to Laconia has been a defining event for riders in the Northeast,” said Bill Davidson, Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum and great-grandson of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson. “As this historic gathering of riders approaches its centennial celebration, Harley-Davidson has teamed with Laconia Mayor Ed Engler, local businessman Al Mitchell and Laconia Harley-Davidson owner Anne Deli to secure a fabulous new location near the lake for Harley Headquarters.”

Official Harley-Davidson activities will be consolidated at one action-packed venue located at 76 Endicott Street North. Open June 10-18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with free motorcycle parking, this expansive Harley-Davidson venue will replace the previous New Hampshire Motor Speedway location. The new location will offer:

See and ride new 2017 Harley-Davidson models including the just-released Street Rod plus the new Road King Special and other Touring models powered by the potent new Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight engine. The demo fleet also includes the nimble Harley-Davidson Roadster model, fabulous 2017 CVO models and bikes fully customized with Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories.

New Milwaukee-Eight Display Truck: Experience the all-new Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight engine through technical displays (June 12-18) and feel the rumble of this exciting new V-Twin on the Harley-Davidson JUMPSTART Rider Experience. Check out the customized Harley-Davidson Rebel Freightliner truck and a display of new items from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories.

See It/Try It/Buy It: Test out new Harley-Davidson helmets and riding gear when you demo-ride a bike. Laconia Harley-Davidson will offer a selection of new Genuine MotorClothes for purchase on site.

Be sure to follow Harley-Davidson on Facebook to join in the action, daily videos will post to check out all the activity virtually.

About Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Since 1903, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom with cruiser, touring and custom motorcycles, riding experiences and events, and a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise, riding gear and apparel. For more information, visit www.h-d.com.

Meet the Winner of our 2016 Indian Chief Bike Giveaway!

If you’ve been following us for any amount of time, you’ll be familiar with our penchant for giving away bikes. Several times throughout the year, we give new BAM members the opportunity to win a new ride, just for signing up for our roadside assistance program. Earlier this fall, we had a new winner “first”. When Chuck Koro pulled Diana Reyes’ name to be the winner of a spankin’ new 2016 Indian Chief, we discovered that she would be our third lucky female rider, but the first ever winner from California!

When we initially crossed paths with Diana and her all-female club, The Lost Girls, it was at the Hollister Independence Rally last summer. Started in 2005 under the impetus to “empower and encourage female riders,” every year The Lost Girls ride to raise money for their local hospital to help pay for mammograms and breast cancer care needs for the uninsured. Months later we were able to present Diana with her new bike onstage at the Dave Mann Chopperfest in Ventura. If you ask Diana, she’ll say “It was the Best Day ever and I will be telling this story forever. Thank you Russ Brown…

Currently, we are giving away a 2017 Victory Octane, so to be our next winner sign up for BAM or if you’re already a BAM member, email bam@russbrown.com to update your information and you will be entered to win!
sign up today!

Indian Motorcycle Pays Tribute To The 50th Anniversary Of Burt Munro’s Historic Land Speed Record

“The World’s Fastest Indian” to be Memorialized with 2017 Bonneville Land Speed Record Attempt by Munro’s Nephew

Press Release:It’s been 50 years since Burt Munro took his Indian Scout Streamliner to the Bonneville Salt Flats and made history – a story immortalized by the feature film, The World’s Fastest Indian, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins. As a result, Munro’s legacy transcends motorcycles and symbolizes the much broader drive to push beyond conventional limitations to experience or achieve what is seemingly impossible. Burt Munro is now a household name among “gear heads” across the globe and the ultimate example of the gritty, adrenaline-fueled pastime of expanding the limits of speed at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Munro’s iconic land speed record, Indian Motorcycle is teaming up with Kiwi road racer Lee Munro, Burt Munro’s great nephew, to recreate the historic run at Bonneville on August 13.

“Motorcycling is about shedding boundaries and limitations to go beyond the norm, and there is no better example of that than Burt Munro,” said Reid Wilson, Indian Motorcycle Marketing Director. “Driven by unparalleled determination and a legendary passion for the pursuit, Burt Munro embodies the spirit of Indian Motorcycle, and we couldn’t be prouder to honor his legacy with an updated version of his historic record on the Bonneville Salt Flats in August.”

For the updated record attempt, Lee Munro will pilot a modern Indian Scout with a powertrain modified by the Indian Motorcycle engineering team in an effort to become the world’s fastest modern Indian motorcycle. The attempt will not break Burt’s record, but instead will honor his storied legacy in the world of motorcycling. Fueled by their own ambition to push beyond boundaries, Indian’s team of engineers volunteered to be a part of this historic attempt, working on the project “after hours.” The team will undergo several test runs in El Mirage, Calif. before Lee Munro takes to the Salt Flats of Bonneville.

“My uncle Burt was a significant inspiration for my own racing career, and his appetite for speed is clearly a part of my DNA” said Lee Munro, the grandson of Burt’s first cousin. “What Indian Motorcycle is doing is fantastic, and I couldn’t be prouder to partner with them and pilot my own Scout at Bonneville in honor of my Uncle and the 50th anniversary of his historic record.”

Born and raised in Invercargill, New Zealand, the same town as his great uncle Burt, Lee Munro first began his life on two wheels via the high-adrenaline sport of downhill mountain biking. After winning many local races, even finishing fifth in the 2002 New Zealand Championship, Lee entered into motorcycle road racing. He won his first race and captured numerous titles on every road and street race circuit in the South Island of New Zealand. With plans to race the Isle of Man, Lee attended the Manx GP in 2016 to gain knowledge of the track and better prepare himself. Most recently, Lee won the vintage class at the Methven Street Races earlier this year on a 1941 Indian motorcycle.

About Indian Motorcycle
Indian Motorcycle, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), is America’s first motorcycle company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

SilencerCo Quiet Riot to Offer Free Shooting at Sturgis Buffalo Chip

First-time shooters and experts are invited to come and learn to shoot suppressed firearms in a safe and fun environment.

Press Release: Visitors to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip this August will be offered the opportunity to shoot some impressive firearms, all sporting SilencerCo suppressors. The Quiet Riot event is open and free to the public but shooters are encouraged to register for an appointment as space is limited and the two-day event is expected to fill quickly. The Quiet Riot will take place Sunday, Aug. 6 and Monday, Aug. 7 at the Buffalo Chip’s shooting range near the east gate. Anyone interested may sign up for a shooting time HERE

All costs associated with shooting will be handled by SilencerCo. Company experts and range officers will be on hand to teach shooters how to handle and shoot the firearms safely.

In addition to the Maxim 9, you’ll also have the opportunity to shoot an array of other firearms, including suppressed shotguns and fully automatics. Everything you need to shoot is included, even ammunition! The Buffalo Chip Gun Range is located across 132nd Avenue at the east end of the Buffalo Chip Campground. Appointments are available 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6 and Monday, Aug. 7.

“Our main goal is to educate the public on suppressors and firearms in general,” says SilencerCo Events Coordinator Chris Conran. “We feel the motorcycle industry loves guns almost as much as we do, and can really take advantage of the many benefits a suppressor offers.”

Quiet Riot shooters are invited to be some of the first to test out SilencerCo’s newly-released Maxim 9, the world’s first integrally suppressed 9mm handgun. After years of research and development, the gun will be available for order for the first time in 2017’s second quarter.

“SilencerCo is offering the public a rare opportunity; free shooting of some very sophisticated suppressed firearms,” said Rod Woodruff, Sturgis Buffalo Chip President. “Not only is it free but they are offering to let people shoot a new gun that hasn’t even been released yet. We’re thrilled to have them at the Chip’s shooting range.”

In addition to the Maxim 9, SilencerCo carries a wide range of suppressors for everything from .22 rimfire guns to .45/70 Government rounds. Their suppressors dramatically decrease the decibel noise and recoil of guns. Everyone from the casual shooter to big-game hunter can benefit from the suppressors SilencerCo has to offer.

About SilencerCo:Born and bred in the land of the free, SilencerCo started life when two men in a garage machined, welded, and shaped their dreams into reality. They had one core belief: Guns don’t have to be loud. Now in our ninth year of existence, SilencerCo makes more silencers than anyone else in the market and has created the most revolutionary product to hit the market in recent memory – the Maxim 9 integrally suppressed 9mm pistol. We set the bar high for quality and innovation because in the end, that’s all that matters.

About The Sturgis Buffalo ChipThe Sturgis Buffalo Chip is the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling. It is the world’s first and leading entertainment destination for the motorcycle enthusiast and 2017 South Dakota Excellence in Tourism Innovation award winner. Since 1981, the venue’s high-profile, nine-day festival, known as The Best Party Anywhere, remains one of the world’s most televised and longest running independent music festivals. Located three miles east of Sturgis, SD on 600 creek-fed acres, it offers eight stages of entertainment, a swimming hole, bars, mouth-watering food, showers, cabins, RVs, camping and more to visitors traveling from all corners of the world. The Chip’s concerts are free with camping. More details are available at www.BuffaloChip.com.

Harley-Davidson has teamed up with Adam Sandoval – the founder of ScootinAmerica, an initiative that focuses on giving back to our military members – to launch Mission: “Thank You.” At Harley-Davidson, we believe every American should be able to experience the profound freedom of motorcycle riding, especially those who risk their lives to protect ours.

Mission: “Thank You” launched at San Diego Harley-Davidson this morning. Harley-Davidson and Sandoval worked with Wounded Warrior Project to honor a WWP alumnus and veteran from San Diego with a new Harley-Davidson powered by the Milwaukee-Eight engine. Shane Kruchten, the surprised recipient and U.S. military veteran, was in shock and full of gratitude learning about his new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Kruchten is the first of eight honorees that will get bikes this year. Sandoval is asking every American to nominate a military member – past or present – who has dedicated their life to protecting our freedom by submitting their story of sacrifice, strength and courage of service. His cross-country Mission: “Thank You” aims to thank those who have served, and are serving, to protect our freedom by giving away eight Harley-Davidson motorcycles powered by new Milwaukee-Eight engines. A panel consisting of Sandoval, Wounded Warrior Project representatives and Harley-Davidson leadership will select which seven other deserving military members will be honored with new motorcycles. The honorees will also receive a lifetime membership to the Harley Owners Group and they can give a free Harley-Davidson Riding Academy class to a loved one.

Based on America’s nominations, Sandoval will make seven special stops along his cross-country journey to give away the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Follow the mission on AdamSandovalRides.comor follow Adam’s journey on Facebook orTwitter.

Along with Mission: “Thank You,” Harley-Davidson does a lot to serve our veterans and active duty personnel. Harley-Davidson is offering the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course to all current and former U.S. military personnel and first responders (law enforcement, fire, and EMS) and their spouses for just $99. H-D can also provide free motorcycle storage for deployed military personnel. Additionally, Operation Extend the Ride extends the factory warranty for the number of days deployed to account for the balance of the remaining warranty period.

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Announces Partnership With Harley-Davidson

The Two Americana-Steeped Brands Celebrate The Kick-Off Of Their Partnership With The Unveil Of Their Artist Series Motorcycles

Press Release:Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, created to honor the father of American old school tattooing, Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, has aligned with the iconic, American Harley-Davidson Motor Company for a multi-year partnership. To commemorate the kick-off of the partnership, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum will be unveiling a series of twenty-two customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles designed by high profile artists and visionaries from around the United States including Harley-Davidson’s ownStyling Team, at a celebration this spring.

This 360-partnership will come to life in bars, restaurants, Harley-Davidson dealerships and joint celebrations around the country. Consumers can expect a series of shared events and moments from the two iconic brands, leading up to Harley-Davidson’s 115thAnniversary in 2018.

The first official venture together is the series of customized motorcycles created by acclaimed artists from around the country. The participating artists include a range of innovators with backgrounds in tattoo design, mural paintings, street art and automotive design. Acclaimed tattoo artists Jonathan Valena aka JonBoy, Oliver Peck, and Megan Woznicki aka Megan Massacre have designed a selection of bikes as well as popular Miami-based muralists, Alexander Mijares, celebrated automotive designer, Michael “BuckWild” Ramirez and artist L’Amour Supreme. Each artist was tasked with interpreting the infamous flash art style of Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins into their unique motorcycle design. Members of the Harley-Davidson Styling Team round out the group of artists and use their deep knowledge of Harley-Davidson history to inspire their unique designs.

(Photo by Darren Hauck/Invision for Harley-Davidson/AP Images)

The motorcycles will be unveiled in a celebration at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee on May 2, 2017 that will be open to consumers and include exciting festivities for all attendees. Following the celebrations, these bikes will not become a part of the exhibit, but instead be available for viewing around the United States all summer 2017 at liquor retailers, Sailor Jerry’s Fleet Week New York celebrations, at the Harley-Davidson Museum and more. Fans of Harley-Davidson and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum will have a chance to win a motorcycle through a sweepstakes program kicking off on May 15, 2017. There will be twenty-two total bikes available to win. To enter, participants can log on to www.SailorJerry.com/Harley-Davidson and can receive additional information on the sweepstakes.

“Between our shared American roots, values and traditions, collaborating with Harley-Davidson is an exciting and natural fit,” said Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Senior Brand Manager Josh Hayes. “Harley-Davidson shares Sailor Jerry’s genuine Americana values for freedom and living outside the lines. With Harley-Davidson, we look forward to a long partnership that celebrates our shared brand beliefs.”

(Photo by Darren Hauck/Invision for Harley-Davidson/AP Images)

The collaboration of these two Americana-steeped brands is a true testament to their rich histories of honoring the traditional values, passions and purposes of the men for whom they are named. After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, Norman Collins dedicated his life honing the art of tattooing out of his shop on Hotel Street in Honolulu. Collins’ shop became the must-stop destination for sailors on their shore-leave. His unique flash-art style started a movement that still inspires artists today. Harley-Davidson, named after founders William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, William A. Davidson and Walter Davidson, has become an American icon since its founding in 1903. Since its first motorcycle, Harley-Davidson has been dedicated to fulfilling dreams of personal freedom – from exceptional custom experiences, innovative products and precise manufacturing. Together, these two brands are excited to begin a partnership that combines their joint passions and values.

(Photo by Darren Hauck/Invision for Harley-Davidson/AP Images)

“Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and Harley-Davidson are all about freedom of expression and customization, whether that is expressed by a Norman Collins tattoo or a bike,” said Scott Beck, Harley-Davidson Director of Marketing. “We are struck by the natural ties Sailor Jerry has to the motorcycle culture.”

Harley-Davidson Roadster: With a profile reminiscent of racing Sportster motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s, Roadster joins Harley’s Dark Custom lineup with a minimalist design inspired by classic models and current trends in stripped-down custom bikes. A rider’s bike, the Harley-Davidson Roadster boasts premium suspension components and a balanced, athletic stance that connects the rider to the road.

Handbuilt Motorcycle Show – S&S Cycle

S&S Cycle hit Austin, Texas for Revival Cycle’s yearly Handbuilt Motorcycle Show – and this year had a big surprise, in the form of some original S&S History – the TRAMP made an appearance! Check it out along with the other amazing hand built motorcycles, and stay tuned for more on TRAMP!

Scenic Motorcycle Tour for Charity Doubles Participation in its Third Year

Press Release:The “Why We Ride” film, released in 2013, has become the #1 motorcycle movie in America because it is a story about who we are. It tells the stories of individuals with a desire to dream, discover and explore. The movie hit an emotional nerve with riders, and it has spawned an entire social movement within the industry. Director–Producer Bryan H. Carroll and Producer James Walker have been both gratified and inspired by the devotional response to their movie, and they decided they needed to harness the passion of their fans and use it to do something positive. The Why We Ride MOTOvational Events came out of this revelation and intention.

The 3rd Invitational WHY WE RIDE to the Quail benefitting The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation just became the largest annual charity event Why We Ride organizes, and it took place this year on May 4, 5 and 6. Why We Ride was also thrilled to welcome the wonderful organization Veterans Charity Ride as a partner for the event. The AMA sanctioned ride began in Moorpark, headed to picturesque Pismo Beach, CA, moved up into the wooded hillsides and gorgeous valleys of Paso Robles wine country, followed the Carmel River along the most seductive canyon road in California, and arrived at the beaches of Monterey in time for The Quail Motorcycle Gathering.

“Three years ago we thought we would attract only ‘motorcycle people’ on the ride,” says Bryan Carroll, producer and organizer of the event. “We quickly realized that, like the movie, our audience was really people who ride motorcycles, which is a very different thing, and has made a huge difference. Thinking of it in those more-inclusive terms expanded our sponsor base and appeal, and that’s how we doubled our participation numbers and tripled our contribution to The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation this year. I’m very proud of our team for not only seeing the greater potential for good, but realizing it. We are dedicated to pushing harder every year.”

The upshot is that riders of all stripes, some traveling from as far as India and Mexico City, but all with a common love of motorcycle riding came together and took part. Of course, everyone loves a good cause, but the diversity of sponsors and participants really illustrated how the Hollywood and motorcycling communities united to benefit those in need, namely children with serious medical issues.

Harley-Davidson was gracious enough to lend ride captains and organizers new touring models for the trek, and over 71 riders participated, which doubled the numbers from last year. A combination of top motorcycle and riding accessories manufacturers joined with the biggest and best equipment makers and creative service providers in Hollywood, and the unique nature of the 3-day ride allowed riders to demo products like NUVIZ and Indian Motorcycles along the way

“One of the reasons we have multiple OEMs sponsoring us is because this is about why we ride not what we ride,” says Carroll. “I wanted to bring my two passions to this ride, which is making movies and anything with an engine in it, and this year’s sponsors captured that.”

Participants in the charity ride enjoyed a bevy of perks (in addition to the awesome ride), including watching whales at the Pismo Beach BBQ, a catered lunch at the historic 1773 San Antonio Mission, cocktails and a 5 star meal at the WWR Riders Banquet Dinner, gift bags, special inspirational guest speakers, VIP access to The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, including a private ride to the event, exclusive parking and private lounge access. There was also a raffle with over $6000 of swag and gifts donated from the sponsors and guests. Keith Hernandez was this year’s winner of The Steve Moore Spirit of the Ride Award and got a custom leather jacket made by D73 and Serge Bueno.

AboutWhy We Ride Films: Why We Ride Films is the production team behind Why We Ride, a feature length documentary film. Since its December 2013 release, it has quickly become the most critically acclaimed motorcycle movie of all time. Independently distributed by producer/director Bryan H. Carroll and producer James Walker—recipients of American Motorcyclist Magazine’s 2014 Motorcyclists of the Year award—Why We Ride’s aim is to use the power of cinema not only to entertain but also educate, inspire and celebrate the world of motorcycling with audiences worldwide. To learn more about Why We Ride, visit WhyWeRide.com.

Press Release: Harley-Davidson Motor Company today announced an exclusive alliance with EagleRider, the world’s largest motorcycle rental, travel and tour company. Motorcycle enthusiasts and travelers will now be able to rent and tour on the most current Harley-Davidson Touring and Cruiser motorcycles at EagleRider locations around the country.

Customers will also benefit from an expanded network of EagleRider pick-up and drop-off points, as many of them will now be located in Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country. For the first time, customers nationwide will be able to pick up a motorcycle near their home, take their dream trip, and drop off the same motorcycle near their destination, something that was not possible except in a few locations.

“This strategic deal with EagleRider supports our efforts to grow ridership by making it easier for more riders to throw a leg over and experience the thrill of riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle across our great country,” said Harley-Davidson Vice President and Managing Director U.S. Mike Kennedy. “EagleRider’s advanced nationwide reservation system, proven customer service and extensive travel industry expertise will allow our 700 U.S. dealer locations to seamlessly deliver premium motorcycle rental, travel and tour experiences.”

Founded in 1992 by Chris McIntyre and Jeff Brown with four Harley-Davidson motorcycles in a Los Angeles garage, EagleRider has grown to serve more than 100,000 riders annually through motorcycle rental and touring experiences across the U.S.

“It’s a dream of millions of riders across the world to explore America in the most authentic way possible, on an iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle,” said McIntyre. “For the past 25 years, we’ve seen riders return from their trips completely transformed by finding freedom of the open road to be the ultimate adventure vacation.”

Through the alliance, EagleRider will exclusively offer current model year Harley-Davidson motorcycle fleets in the Touring and Large Cruiser motorcycle segments, serviced by Harley-Davidson-trained technicians and equipped with Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories. Harley-Davidson will exclusively work with EagleRider to provide rental, travel and tour experiences from its U.S dealership network.

About Harley-Davidson Motor CompanySince 1903, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom with cruiser, touring and custom motorcycles, riding experiences and events, and a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise, riding gear and apparel. For more information, visit www.h-d.com.

About EagleRiderPioneering the motorcycle rental concept in 1992, EagleRider has since grown to become a motorcycle experience industry leader, fulfilling dreams of thousands of motorcyclists worldwide. EagleRider’s vast network of locations allows the company to offer a variety of motorcycle travel options and a Club EagleRider membership program – the first of its kind in the motorcycle industry. EagleRider has grown from four Harleys in a home garage to a global company with thousands of motorcycles for rent and hundreds of tour options including guided, self-drive or custom. For more information, visit www.eaglerider.com or www.facebook.com/EagleRider.

A new generation is shaping the industry, and they are ready to show what they can do.

Press Release:An incredible group of young builders and artists who have been inspired by the iron stylings of previous generations will be creating new works that reflect the attitude and attributes of the present in the Buffalo Chip’s 2017 Motorcycles as Art exhibit, “Old Iron/Young Blood; Motorcycles and the Next-Gen,” curated by famed motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter. Forty builders under 36 years of age have accepted the challenge to build a custom masterpiece especially for this exhibit, each of which will be displayed atop elevated pedestals and lit with theater lights to better give guests an open view from every angle. The exhibition is free to the public and open in the Buffalo Chip’s Event Center 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 5 through Friday, Aug. 11. More information can be found at MotorcyclesAsArt.com.

Creating an exhibition themed around the next generation of builders and bikes ensures an incredibly diverse offering, from cafes to street trackers to old school choppers and modern customs. Some builders, such as Matt Olsen, Matt Walksler, Zach Johnson and Zach Ness, grew up in their own family’s motorcycle businesses, while others came into building when they were older, eventually starting their own commercial shops. Still others have day jobs and work on their bikes in home garages in what waking hours they have left.

“The 40 builders and 14 two-dimensional artists will come together as 53 creatives to examine just what this generation is interested in, what they are capable of and what is coming around the bend,” said exhibit curator Michael Lichter. “In addition to an age limit on the builder, each bike must be a new build completed within a few months of the show opening and many of the bikes will be ‘unveiled’ for the first time at the exhibition.”

Throughout the history of motorcycle customization, one can see that individual artists draw inspiration from his or her most impressionable moments, experiences which often mark both the timeline of their lives and of an entire generation. The old iron that returning veterans of the ‘40s twisted, stretched and chopped echoed the frustrations of a generation of GIs who were ravaged by war and yearned to be free. Today’s young bloods are creating bikes that are inspired by old iron, yet reflect the more calculated interests and accessible technology of the present. Though many define this generation as “Millennials,” the burgeoning masters of the motorcycle industry displaying their work in this exhibit have broken any constraints or negative stereotypes associated with the term.

“Michael has again put together an exhibit that explores the changing landscape of the motorcycle culture in a way that only the world’s leading motorcycle photographer could reveal,” said Rod Woodruff, Sturgis Buffalo Chip President. “We are witnessing the birth of a new generation of talent, the up-and-coming masters of an art. This exhibit offers the chance to simultaneously see the wave of the future and the influence of the past, an opportunity no biker should miss.”

The Builders

The 40 custom motorcycle builders and 14 two-dimensional artists under 36 scheduled to present their masterpieces at the 2017 “Motorcycles As Art” exhibit are:

Michael Lichter began photographing custom bikes and the biker-lifestyle in the 1970s. Working with Easyriders Magazine since 1979, he has produced over 800 stories for them. Michael is also a regular contributor to 16 other publications around the world, has 11 coffee table books to his credit and exhibits his photographic art in galleries and museums in the USA and abroad. As a curator, Michael first started creating themed exhibitions with custom motorcycles and art in 2001 at the Journey Museum in Rapid City. In 2009, the annual exhibition was moved to the purpose-built 7,000 square foot gallery at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip where it was given the name “Motorcycles as Art” and continues to this day. Michael has operated out of the same commercial photography studio in beautiful Boulder, Colorado for more than 35-years. Visit www.facebook.com/lichterphoto, Instagram (whistlingmike) and www.lichterphoto.com to see his images. Contact Michael at mike@lichterphoto.com.

About Motorcycles as Art

Every year the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s indoor Motorcycles as Art exhibition presents a changing conceptual theme that brings together the most innovative collection of groundbreaking custom bikes from today’s premier builders with artwork from the most famed moto-artists. The Sturgis Buffalo Chip and curator, famed photographer Michael Lichter, present an environment that must be seen to appreciate. Free to the public and open for just seven days each year, all are invited to take their time and walk through history in the making that is the Motorcycles as Art exhibit.

About The Sturgis Buffalo Chip

The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling®. It is the world’s first and leading entertainment destination for the motorcycle enthusiast and 2017 South Dakota Excellence in Tourism Innovation award winner. Since 1981, the venue’s high-profile, nine-day festival, known as The Best Party Anywhere®, remains one of the world’s most televised and longest running independent music festivals. Located three miles east of Sturgis, SD on 600 creek-fed acres, it offers eight stages of entertainment, a swimming hole, bars, mouth-watering food, showers, cabins, RVs, camping and more to visitors traveling from all corners of the world. The Chip’s concerts are free with camping. More details are available at www.BuffaloChip.com.

Pappy Hoel Campground named Official Campground for Harley Owners Group

Harley-Davidson Motor Company and the Full Throttle Saloon’s Pappy Hoel Campground have partnered to name the Pappy Hoel Campground as the official campground for Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) during the 77th annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, SD.

The partnership offers the following benefits to all H.O.G. members with a valid H.O.G. membership:

A 10% discount on Pappy Hoel Campground wristbands, which grant admission to all concerts, events and entertainment at the Full Throttle Saloon/Pappy Hoel Campground; Additionally, wristbands qualify H.O.G. members for:

All H.O.G. members attending the rally will be invited to the official H.O.G. welcome party at the Pappy Hoel Campground Pool, on Tuesday, August 8, featuring live entertainment, drink specials, prize raffles and more. Additional details to be announced on pappyhoelcampground.com soon.

An invitation to join the 17th annual Pappy Hoel Charity Motorcycle Ride from the Full Throttle Saloon to the Stone House, on Wednesday, August 8. Proceeds will be split between a local charity (in the past, the funds have provided a scholarship to a local school and been donated to the Sturgis Fire Department) and designated H.O.G. charities.

“Harley-Davidson is not just a brand, it’s a family”, said Jesse James Dupree, co-owner of the Pappy Hoel Campground. “No brand has a fraternity like Harley-Davidson’s Harley Owners Group. H.O.G. members share not only a passion for riding, but they are charity-minded and will give you the shirt off their back. We’re proud to host the fraternity of the Harley Owners Group on our grounds.”

Mike Ballard, owner of the Full Throttle Saloon, added, “When rebuilding the new Full Throttle, I wanted to incorporate a theme of the things that make America great. It’s an honor to be partnered with Harley-Davidson, a brand that embodies that same spirit.”

The Pappy Hoel Campground sits on 600 acres beneath beautiful Bear Butte, in Sturgis, SD. Together with the Full Throttle Saloon, it features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, the largest stage in South Dakota, and hundreds of cabins, RV and tent camping sites. Announced entertainment and attractions for 2017 so far include Travis Tritt (8/7), Bret Michaels (8/9), The Dead Daisies (8/9), Jackyl (8/10), Billy Lane and the Sons of Speed, a firing range, and much more to come.

H.O.G. members wishing to renew their membership to take advantage of these benefits can do so at hog.com any time or at the Harley-Davidson/H.O.G. event display on 3rd and Lazelle Streets in downtown Sturgis during the rally Aug. 5-12.

Scenic Motorcycle Tour for Charity Set for May 4–6

The “Why We Ride” film, released in 2013 has become the #1 motorcycle movie in America because it is a story about who we are. It told the stories of individuals with a desire to dream, to discover and to explore. The movie hit an emotional nerve with riders and it has spawned an entire social movement within the industry. Director, Producer Bryan H. Carroll and Producer James Walker decided they needed to do something with this passion group of fans and out of that brainstorm came Why We Ride MOTOvational Events. The 3rd Invitational WHY WE RIDE to the Quail is the largest annual charity event and will take place May 4, 5 and 6. The ride begins in Moorpark and heads to picturesque Pismo Beach, CA, moves up into the wooded hillsides and gorgeous valleys of Paso Robles wine country, following the Carmel River along the most seductive canyon road in California, and arriving at the beaches of Monterey in time for The Quail Motorcycle Gathering. All proceeds go to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

“Three years ago we thought we would attract only ‘motorcycle people’ on the ride ,” says Bryan Carroll, producer of Why We Ride Films, organizers of the event. “Quickly we realized that like the movie, our audience was really people who ride motorcycles, which is a very different approach and made a huge difference. That approach expanded our sponsor base, and is responsible for an bigger ride this year – and being able to contribute more to our charity. I’m proud of our team for seeing our potential for good, and pushing harder every year.”

That huge difference is resulting in people of all stripes with a common love of motorcycle riding coming together and taking part. Of course, everyone loves a good cause, but the diversity of sponsors and participants really illustrates how the Hollywood and motorcycling communities have united to benefit those in need, namely children with serious medical issues. A combination of top motorcycle and riding accessories manufacturers have joined with the biggest and best equipment makers and creative service providers in Hollywood, and the unique nature of the 3-day ride (the only one of its kind) allows companies to demo products along the way.

“One of the reasons we have multiple OEMs sponsoring us is because this is about why we ride not what we ride,” says Carroll. “I wanted to bring my two passions to this ride, which is making movies and anything with an engine in it, and this year’s sponsors have captured that.”

Participants in the charity ride enjoy a bevy of perks (in addition to the awesome ride), including cocktails and vittles at the WWR Riders Dinner, gift bags, special guest speakers and VIP access to The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, including private ride to the event, exclusive parking and private lounge access.

AboutWhy We Ride Films: Why We Ride Films is the production team behind Why We Ride, a feature length documentary film. Since its December 2013 release, it has quickly become the most critically acclaimed motorcycle movie of all time. Independently distributed by producer/director Bryan H. Carroll and producer James Walker—recipients of American Motorcyclist Magazine’s 2014 Motorcyclists of the Year award—Why We Ride’s aim is to use the power of cinema not only to entertain but also educate, inspire and celebrate the world of motorcycling with audiences worldwide. To learn more about Why We Ride, visit WhyWeRide.com.

Polaris Reports 2017 First Quarter Results

Sales for the first quarter of 2017 increased 17% to $1,153.8 million; adjusted sales increased 18% to $1,158.9 million

Polaris N.A. retail sales performance exceeded Company expectations in the first quarter; ORV market share stabilizing; Indian Motorcycle market share gains continued during the quarter

First quarter 2017 reported net loss was $0.05 per diluted share; adjusted net income for the same period was $0.75 per diluted share, slightly ahead of expectations

Total dealer inventory was down 8% year-over-year; ORV dealer inventory was down 9%

Polaris reiterated its full year 2017 outlook with adjusted net income expected to be in the range of $4.25 to $4.50 per diluted share with adjusted sales for the full year 2017 expected in the range of up 10% to 13%

Note: the results and guidance in this release, including the highlights above, include references to non-GAAP operating measures, which are identified by the word “adjusted” preceding the measure. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures can be found at the end of this release.

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today reported first quarter 2017 sales of $1,153.8 million, up 17 percent, from $983.0 million for the first quarter of 2016. Adjusted sales, which excludes the impact from Victory Motorcycles net sales for the first quarter of 2017, were $1,158.9 million compared to $983.0 million in the prior year period. The Company reported a first quarter 2017 net loss of $2.9 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared with net income of $46.9 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, for the 2016 first quarter. The reported net loss included costs related to the wind down of Victory Motorcycles and certain TAP integration and inventory step up costs taken in the first quarter. Adjusted net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, excluding these costs, was $48.3 million, or $0.75 per diluted share.

“While we reported an expected net loss for the quarter, adjusted earnings were slightly ahead of our expectations. We saw continued strong performance from Indian Motorcycle and our ORV business improved its performance in the face of heavy competitive activity and a sluggish powersports environment. Overall, our dealer channel remains healthy with inventories down eight percent, and we continue to diligently work to enhance our dealer engagement,” commented Scott Wine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Industries.

Wine continued, “We have made significant investments in people, processes and technology to support prevention, identification and remediation of safety and quality issues and we are identifying them earlier and reacting more quickly. The safety of our riders and vehicles is our number one priority, and we will continue to develop the processes required to deliver best-in-class performance in this area. Further, we are aggressively investing in the development of innovative products that will further solidify Polaris’ position as the leader in powersports. Our first quarter results reflect our commitment to quickly and sustainably improve our strategic and tactical execution, continue enhancing overall safety and quality, and building superior products for our customers.”

Off-Road Vehicle (“ORV”) and Snowmobile segment sales, including their respective PG&A related sales, were $724.1 million for the first quarter of 2017, compared with $708.1 million for the first quarter for the prior year representing a two percent increase, year-over-year. PG&A sales for ORV and Snowmobiles combined, increased 13 percent in the 2017 first quarter compared to last year. Gross profit increased three percent to $213.0 million, or 29.4 percent of sales, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $206.0 million, or 29.1 percent of sales, in the first quarter of 2016. Gross profit percentage increased primarily due to product mix.

ORV wholegoodsales for the first quarter of 2017 were approximately flat as the Company began shipping at more normalized rates. Polaris North American ORV unit retail sales for the first quarter of 2017 were down mid-single digits percent from the 2016 first quarter, which included consumer purchases for side-by-side vehicles down low-single digits percent and ATV retail sales down low-double digits percent. The North American ORV industry was down mid-single digits percent compared to the first quarter last year. ORV dealer inventory was down nine percent in the 2017 first quarter compared to the same period last year.

Snowmobile wholegood sales in the first quarter of 2017 decreased three percent due to timing of shipments during the quarter. While the snow season did not meet our expectations, dealer inventory finished below last year and we received a strong reception to our all-new model year 2018 Polaris® TITAN™, the industry’s most capable extreme crossover snowmobile.

Motorcyclesegment sales, including its PG&A related sales in the first quarter of 2017, was $120.3 million, a decrease of 35 percent compared to $185.3 million reported in the first quarter of 2016 which included $46.3 million of Victory Motorcycles wholegood, accessory and apparel sales. Indian Motorcycle wholegood sales increased in the first quarter driven by strong retail sales, offset by lower Slingshot® sales which were negatively impacted by low availability of salable product due to quality holds during the quarter. Gross profit for the first quarter of 2017 was a negative $19.9 million compared to positive $27.3 million in the first quarter of 2016. Adjusted for the Victory wind down costs of $38.6 million, motorcycle gross profit was a positive $18.7 million, down from the first quarter last year due to product mix and lower Slingshot volume.

North American consumer retail demand for the Polaris motorcycle segment, including Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot, was down mid-single digits percent during the 2017 first quarter, while the overall motorcycle industry retail sales, 900cc and above, was down mid-single digits percent in the 2017 first quarter. Indian Motorcycle retail sales increased low double-digits percent and continued to gain market share, partly driven by sales of the Company’s new highly customizable, split-screen Ride Command™ touchscreen infotainment system available on Indian Chieftain® and Roadmaster® models. Additionally, during the quarter, the Company added its 10th model to the line-up with the introduction of the Roadmaster Classic with genuine leather saddlebags and trunk, giving it distinctive vintage styling. Slingshot retail sales were down significantly due to low product availability and a more difficult comparable as the Company released its top of the line Slingshot SLR model in the first quarter last year.

Global Adjacent Marketssegment sales along with its PG&A related sales, increased 24 percent to $91.6 million in the 2017 first quarter compared to $74.1 million in the 2016 first quarter. Gross profit increased 38 percent to $28.1 million, or 30.7 percent of sales, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $20.4 million, or 27.5 percent of sales, in the first quarter of 2016. Sales and gross profit were up primarily due to increased sales in the Company’s Government and Defense business in the 2017 first quarter which more than doubled from the previous year’s quarter sales. Work and Transportation group wholegood sales were up 12 percent during the first quarter of 2017 primarily due to increased Aixam® sales and a full quarter of Taylor-Dunn® sales compared to last year.

Aftermarket segment sales which includes Transamerican Auto Parts (“TAP”), along with the Company’s other aftermarket brands of Klim, Kolpin, Pro Armor, Trail Tech and 509, increased significantly to $217.8 million in the 2017 first quarter compared to $15.5 million in the 2016 first quarter. TAP added $202.0 million of sales in the first quarter of 2017. Gross profit increased significantly to $41.6 million, or 19.1 percent of sales in first quarter of 2017, compared to $4.7 million, or 30.3 percent of sales, in the first quarter of 2016. Adjusted for the TAP acquisition step-up adjustment, Aftermarket gross profit was $54.5 million, or 25.0 percent of sales. Sales and gross profit dollars were up primarily due to the addition of TAP acquired in the fourth quarter of 2016.

International sales to customers outside of North America totaled $166.2 million for the first quarter of 2017, including PG&A, up two percent, from the same period in 2016.

Gross profit decreased two percent to $242.5 million for the first quarter of 2017 from $247.6 million in the first quarter of 2016. As a percentage of sales, reported gross profit margin was 21.0 percent compared with 25.2 percent of sales for the first quarter of 2016. Gross profit for the first quarter of 2017 includes the negative impact of $38.6 million of Victory wind down costs and $12.9 million in purchase accounting adjustments related to the TAP acquisition. Excluding these items, adjusted gross profit was $294.0 million, or 25.4 percent of sales. Gross margins on an adjusted basis improved slightly due to product cost reduction efforts generated through lean initiatives and favorable product mix offsetting increased warranty and promotional costs incurred during the quarter.

Operating expenses increased 27 percent for the first quarter of 2017 to $241.8 million from $189.9 million, including $6.0 million in Victory wind down costs and $3.3 million of TAP integration expenses. Excluding these costs, operating expenses increased primarily due to the addition of operating expenses from TAP, as well as more normalized variable compensation expenses and increased research and development expenses for ongoing product refinement and innovation.

Income from financial services was $20.4 million for the first quarter of 2017, up five percent compared with $19.5 million for the first quarter of 2016. The increase is attributable to higher income generated from the sale of extended service contracts.

Non-operating other expense, net,was $11.6 million for the first quarter of 2017, including $13.0 million in impairment charges on an investment related to the Victory wind down, versus $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2016. Excluding the impairment charge, the remaining change primarily relates to foreign currency exchange rate movements and the corresponding effects on foreign currency transactions related to the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.

The provision for income taxes for the first quarter of 2017 was $2.6 million, compared with $25.3 million for the first quarter of 2016. The reduction in the provision for income taxes is due to lower pretax income offset by certain non-deductible costs related to the Victory motorcycle wind down, incurred in the first quarter 2017.

Financial Position and Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operating activities was $50.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, compared to $139.0 million for the same period in 2016. The significant decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the 2017 period was due to the net loss reported in the first quarter 2017 as well as the timing of warranty and other accrued expense payments and higher factory inventory ahead of the seasonally high spring retail selling season. Total debt for the quarter, including capital lease obligations and notes payable, was $1,177.7 million. The Company’s debt-to-total capital ratio was 58 percent at March 31, 2017, compared to 36 percent a year ago. Cash and cash equivalents were $137.5 million at March 31, 2017, down from $145.8 million for the same period in 2016.

Share Buyback Activity

During the first quarter 2017, the Company repurchased and retired 256,000 shares of its common stock for $21.8 million. As of March 31, 2017, the Company has authorization from its Board of Directors to repurchase up to an additional 7.2 million shares of Polaris stock.

2017 Business Outlook

The Company guidance range for the full year 2017 remains unchanged from previously issued guidance. The Company continues to expect adjusted net income to be in the range of $4.25 to $4.50 per diluted share, compared with adjusted net income of $3.48 per diluted share for 2016. Full year 2017 adjusted sales are anticipated to increase in the range of 10 percent to 13 percent over 2016 sales of $4,516.6 million, also unchanged from previously issued guidance.

Wind down of Victory Motorcycles

Polaris announced on January 9, 2017 its intention to wind down its Victory Motorcycles operations. The decision is expected to improve the long-term profitability of Polaris and its global motorcycle business, while materially improving the Company’s competitive position in the industry. The Company will record costs associated with supporting Victory dealers in selling their remaining inventory, the disposal of factory inventory, tooling, and other physical assets, and the cancellation of various supplier arrangements. These costs will be recorded in the 2017 income statement in respective sales, gross profit and operating expense beginning in the first quarter of 2017. These costs are excluded from Polaris’ 2017 sales and earnings guidance on a non-GAAP basis.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

This press release and our related earnings call contains certain non-GAAP financial measures, consisting of “adjusted sales, gross profits, operating expenses, other expense, net income and net income per diluted share” as measures of our operating performance. Management believes these measures may be useful in performing meaningful comparisons of past and present operating results, to understand the performance of its ongoing operations and how management views the business. Reconciliations of adjusted non-GAAP measures to reported GAAP measures are included in the financial schedules contained in this press release. These measures, however, should not be construed as an alternative to any other measure of performance determined in accordance with GAAP.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Conference Call and Webcast Presentation

Today at 9:00 AM (CT) Polaris Industries Inc. will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the 2017 first quarter results released this morning. The call will be hosted by Scott Wine, Chairman and CEO; Ken Pucel, Executive Vice President – Operations, Engineering and Lean; and Mike Speetzen, Executive Vice President – Finance and CFO. A slide presentation and link to the webcast will be posted on the Polaris Investor Relations website at http://ir.polaris.com.

To listen to the conference call by phone, dial 877-706-7543 in the U.S. and Canada, or 478-219-0273 internationally. The Conference ID is # 45015868.

A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call for a one-week period by accessing the same link on our website, or by dialing 855-859-2056 in the U.S. and Canada, or 404-537-3406 internationally.

About Polaris

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader with annual 2016 sales of $4.5 billion. Polaris fuels the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts with our RANGER, RZR and POLARIS GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; our SPORTSMAN and POLARIS ACE all-terrain off-road vehicles; VICTORY and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; SLINGSHOT moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK, INDY, SWITCHBACK and RUSH snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories sold under multiple recognizable brands, and has a growing presence globally in adjacent markets with products including military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. www.polaris.com

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, including management’s expectations regarding 2017 future sales, shipments, net income, and net income per share, and operational initiatives are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements.Potential risks and uncertainties include such factors as the Company’s ability to successfully implement its manufacturing operations expansion initiatives, product offerings, promotional activities and pricing strategies by competitors; economic conditions that impact consumer spending; acquisition integration costs; product recalls, warranty expenses; impact of changes in Polaris stock price on incentive compensation plan costs; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; environmental and product safety regulatory activity; effects of weather; commodity costs; uninsured product liability claims; uncertainty in the retail and wholesale credit markets; performance of affiliate partners; changes in tax policy and overall economic conditions, including inflation, consumer confidence and spending and relationships with dealers and suppliers.Investors are also directed to consider other risks and uncertainties discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.The Company does not undertake any duty to any person to provide updates to its forward-looking statements.

Top rockers with pockets full of hits will set the stage on fire for the Prince of Darkness on Wednesday, Aug. 9.

Press Release:What already was shaping up to be an unforgettable day at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip has now become the hottest ticket in town, as the venue has secured chart-topping hard rock band Pop Evil to open for Ozzy Osbourne on its main stage Aug. 9. This addition rounds out a jam-packed day of entertainment that begins in the afternoon with the thunder of hopped-up machines in the Street Drag Invitational with Crazy John followed by the adrenaline of Roland Sands Design’s Super Hooligan Races presented by Indian Motorcycle. More info at www.BuffaloChip.com/PopEvil

Pop Evil has been pounding its way up the charts and into the hearts of fans ever since the band strapped on guitars and started writing songs in 2001. Billboard named them the no. 4 Mainstream Rock Artist of 2014, a result of three consecutive no. 1 Rock Radio Singles from their last album, and a fourth that cracked the Top 10. Touring with some of the biggest names in music, their songs such as Footsteps, Trenches and Deal with the Devil have been heard around the world and on TV in association with events such as NFL, NHL and NASCAR.

“Pairing Pop Evil with Ozzy Osbourne, the street drags and the Super Hooligan Races on Wednesday is packaging a perfect day at the rally,” said Rod Woodruff, President of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “Nobody should miss this rare opportunity for a day filled with non-stop racing action, stunts and events, and these incredible, world-class, megastar musicians all for one pass.”

As the largest and most easily accessed concert and camping venue east of Sturgis, concert attendees not already camping at the Buffalo Chip will be able to access the free parking area at the east gate, about 5 miles from exit 37 on I-90. Read More

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Member John Parham Passes

J&P Cycles founder also opened National Motorcycle Museum

Press Release: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame member John Parham, who founded J&P Cycles and the National Motorcycle Museum, passed away on April 20 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was 62.

Yamaha AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson. Oct. 17, 2015, in Orlando, Fla. Photo by Jen Muecke for the American Motorcyclist Association.“The American Motorcyclist Association offers its condolences to the Parham family and to the many friends John made over the years,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Beyond his success as a businessman, John dedicated his energy and resources to preserving the history of motorcycling. It was an honor to know him. He will be greatly missed by the motorcycling community.”

Mr. Parham was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2015.

He opened his first shop with a partner in 1975 in his hometown of Anamosa, Iowa. Four years later, he branched out with his wife Jill, starting J. Parham Enterprises. This company came to be known as J&P Cycles.

By the 1990s, J&P Cycles had grown into one of the largest motorcycle accessory mail order companies in the world.
Mr. Parham stayed on board to run J&P Cycles after selling it to Motorsports Action Group in 2001.
In 2001, Parham relocated the National Motorcycle Museum to Anamosa, where it has continued to thrive and grow into one of the world’s foremost motorcycle museums.

The Parham family is planning a celebration of his life for some time in May. Details, as they become available, will be posted to the National Motorcycle Museum website (www.nationalmcmuseum.org).

The epicenter of rally events adds multiple days of racing action at the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling.

More adrenaline-packed racing events have this year been added to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Moto Stampederace series at the premier action center of the rally. Six of the motorcycle and music festival’s nine days offers thrilling racing from American Flat Track and RSD Super Hooligan to street drags, Dirt Riot Off-Road, and AMA Supermoto. Audiences will have an up-close viewing experience with concert pairings they won’t find in any other venue in the world. One pass includes access to Moto Stampede races, all concerts and events held within the campground and tent camping. Passes may be purchased for each day with multi-day packages offering the best value. More info can be found here.

“The rally was founded on racing. The Buffalo Chip’s Moto Stampede pairs multiple days and types of races with the rally’s biggest concerts to create a series of events neither the rally nor the world has ever before seen,” said Rod Woodruff, Sturgis Buffalo Chip President. “We intend to shake the ground with excitement and horsepower. That’s why it’s called the Moto Stampede!”

The Moto Stampede offers the industry’s most concentrated series of motorsports events:

Dirt Riot Off-RoadRacingOff-road racers in UTV, Ultra Four Car and Truck Super Mod Trail classes will tear up the award-winning track at the Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex on Friday, Aug. 4 and Saturday, Aug. 5. Entry to the Aug. 4 time trials is free. Championships on Aug. 5 are ticketed separately from campground events and passes are $20.

American Flat Track AMA Pro Racing Sanctioned RacesAFT racing action will take place on Sunday, Aug. 6, sending the nation’s top professional racing athletes through the new Buffalo Chip TT track that winds through the center of the venue’s famous amphitheater. Indian Wrecking Crew revives the long-held rivalry with Harley-Davisdon’s Factory Crew in a battle fans are referring to as “The Hundred Years War.” Shinedown will perform on the Wolfman Jack Stage immediately following the races.

Street Drag Invitational Races with Crazy JohnCrazy John Markwald will be back to pit even more of his friends in head-to-head hat drop street races down the middle of the Buffalo Chip amphitheater on Wednesday, Aug. 9 during the Buffalo Chip Street Drag Invitational with Crazy John.

RSD Super HooliganRacesImmediately following the street drags Roland Sands and his crew will go handlebar to handlebar in the RSD Super Hooligan races presented by Indian Motorcycle. Passes include the performance by Ozzy Osbourne along with other headliners on the main stage that evening.

AMA SupermotoRacesThis high-energy race hybrid will bring Sturgis Buffalo Chip campers face to face with the ultimate “through-the-streets” style racing on Friday, Aug. 11 and Saturday, Aug. 12 as racers fly around a one-of-a-kind Supermoto track that cuts through both the amphitheater and the streets in the surrounding campground. The top racing talent in the country including reigning and 3x National Champion, Gage McAllister and #2 and #3 ranked racers will attend. Alter Bridge will perform after the AMA Supermoto races along with other headlining bands yet to be announced.

More Concerts and EventsIn addition to the Moto Stampede races, Chip fans will enjoy more world-class concerts, death-defying stunts, motorcycle showcases and more throughout the full nine-day Buffalo Chip festival. Additional concert and event announcements are expected soon.

NCOM Biker Newsbytes

First-Ever Motorcycle Caucus Formed In U.S. SenateIn a rare bipartisan effort, motorcyclists are getting a very special form of representation in the U.S. Senate as two Senators are reaching across the aisle to establish the first Senate Motorcycle Caucus. Kickstarting this unique legislative road trip, Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Gary Peters (D-Michigan), both lifelong motorcyclists, will serve as co-chairs of the caucus, which will advocate on behalf of both motorcycle riders and manufacturers.

Sen. Ernst said her concern for motorcycles and motorcyclists started when she was a child. “Some of my most cherished memories include motorcycles, from delivering messages as a young girl to my dad while he was working out in the fields, to riding through the rolling hills of Northeast Iowa with family and friends,” Ernst said. “Throughout my 99 county tour of Iowa, I have heard from many of these folks about some of their priorities, including improving safety, infrastructure and energy efficiency. These concerns are shared by folks across our great state and country, and I look forward to working with Sen. Peters toward solutions.”

Sen. Peters bought his first motorcycle at age 11. “I’ve loved motorcycles since I was a kid, and I started a newspaper route to buy my first motorcycle at age 11. To this day, I believe there is no better way to see Michigan’s beautiful scenery than by bike, whether I’m riding to meet with constituents and small businesses or taking my bike out on the weekend,” Peters said. “Motorcyclists come from all walks of life, and I can’t think of a better way to bring together a diverse and dedicated group of advocates to discuss everything from safety concerns to manufacturing. I’m looking forward to working with Sen. Ernst as co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus to foster these important discussions and find common ground with motorcycle lovers across the country.”

Security And Privacy In Your (Spy) Car Study ActWith motorcyclists sharing the road with a growing number of Smart vehicles, security from cyber-intrusion is a significant safety concern, and U.S. Reps Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) have introduced H.R. 701; the Security and Privacy in Your Car Study Act of 2017 (“SPY Car Study Act”) to address automotive software safety, cybersecurity and privacy regulations.

This bill would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct a study to determine and recommend standards for the regulation of the cybersecurity of motor vehicles manufactured or imported for sale in the United States. The study shall identify:

isolation measures that are necessary to separate critical software systems that can affect the driver’s control of the movement of the vehicle from other software systems;

measures that are necessary to detect and prevent or minimize anomalous codes, in vehicle software systems, associated with malicious behavior;

techniques that are necessary to detect and prevent, discourage, or mitigate intrusions into vehicle software systems and other cybersecurity risks in motor vehicles; and

best practices to secure driving data about a vehicle’s status or about the owner, lessee, driver, or passenger of a vehicle that is collected by the electronic systems of motor vehicles; and

a timeline for implementing systems and software that reflect such measures, techniques, and best practices.

Police Motorcycle Hit By Autopilot TeslaAccording to a report in the Arizona Republic, a Phoenix police motorcycle was hit by a Tesla Model X operating on autopilot. Police said the officer and the Tesla exited a freeway with the motorcycle in front. When the rider stopped for a light, the car stopped as well, but then started moving forward. The officer jumped off the bike, which was struck at low speed by the car.

The driver reported having the car on autopilot at the time. The officer was uninjured and the car driver wasn’t ticketed.

Tesla has warned customers in the past that its autopilot mode does not mean a driver can completely disengage, but increasingly it seems customers are unwilling to listen. Tesla’s website specifically states that drivers are in command of their vehicles after exiting freeways.

The company announced in October that it would soon begin including hardware in its vehicles that could make them fully autonomous. Currently, the vehicles are simply equipped with driver aids like forward collision warning, automatic braking and auto steering.

“Autocycles” No Longer Considered Motorcycles In Two More StatesColorado and Wyoming are the latest states to reclassify their licensing requirements which allow drivers of so-called “Autocycles”, such as the Polaris Slingshot, to operate the vehicle with a valid state driver’s license instead of requiring a motorcycle endorsement or license. Drivers under the age of 18 will still be required to wear a helmet, in accordance with the states’ motorcycle helmet laws.

Because of the three-wheeled configuration and characteristics of autocycles, determining how to classify them has been a challenge for state governments. Polaris calls the Slingshot a “three-wheeled moto-roadster.” Initially, when it was introduced to the market in 2014, consumers were required to have a motorcycle endorsement or license to operate the Slingshot, which offers a distinct ride through its open cockpit and side-by-side seating.

Currently, 30 states, including the District of Columbia, require only a driver’s license to drive an autocycle. The remaining states require a motorcycle endorsement, but Polaris says efforts are being made to reclassify the vehicle to gain full conformity throughout the United States.

“As we educate state officials on the unique attributes of this category-creating Slingshot, they are realizing that the licensing requirement for the roadster are more similar to that of a driver’s license than of a motorcycle endorsement or license,” said Rachael Elia, Slingshot Marketing Manager. “Our goal is to gain a unified classification across the country to provide more opportunity and driving freedom for consumers looking for the ultimate thrill experience.”

Driver Who “Didn’t Care” He Hit Motorcyclist Gets 15 YearsRemember the Texas driver who was filmed deliberately swerving across centerline into a passing motorcyclist and then said “I don’t care” that he’d knocked the rider and his girlfriend to the ground?

The heartless car driver is 69-year-old William Crum and following a two-day trial at 355th District Court in Hood County, Texas, he’s been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted on one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing bodily injury.

The 15-year sentence means that Crum, who was arrested soon after the incident in Granbury, TX in October 2015, will be in prison until he’s 84.

Harley Pulled Into Political Fight Over Leather ProductsMany challenges face motorcycle manufacturers selling their products in other countries; and a strange example of this is Harley-Davidson facing a public relations issue in India over leather, something as closely associated with bikers as the bikes they ride.

Leather comes from cows, which are revered and even worshiped by many in the Hindu community, and according to the Hindustan Times a well-known Bollywood actor is taking on the iconic American motorcycle-maker over religious principles.

Popular actor and producer Ajaz Khan is urging India’s Prime Minister to impose a ban on Harley-Davidson products, claiming they’re made from cow hide. “I just bought a leather belt from Harley Davidson,” Khan is quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying. “This is a cow leather belt. It’s being sold in the entire world. If you really consider yourself men, then I request [the Prime Minister] shuts down Harley Davidson.”

Motorcycle Awareness Rally Put On Hold After London Terror AttackA mass London “Awareness Ride-Out” to be held a day after a deadly terrorist attack in the vicinity of the Palace of Westminster, seat of the British Parliament, had to be rescheduled in the wake of the Wednesday, March 22 car attack that killed four and injured more than 50 pedestrians.

The campaign group “We Ride London,” which aims to be the “main lobby group for riders of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds in London,” had invited thousands to join a ride at 1pm on Thursday April 23, from Regents Park through central London to City Hall, but had to call the event off. A statement on the group’s Facebook page said: “We have decided to cancel tomorrow’s awareness ride in light of the terrible events in our capital today. Now is not the time to be hindering the emergency and security services as they investigate and recover from this.”

Rolling Into Reno For NCOM ConventionWith the 32nd Annual NCOM Convention in Reno just weeks away, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists is requesting that MROs, Motorcycle Clubs, & riding associations submit the names of those members & supporters who have died this year, so that we may honor their memories during the traditional “Ringing of the Bell” tribute to fallen riders during the opening ceremonies. Dedications can be hand-delivered at the Convention to “Doc” Reichenbach, NCOM Chairman of the Board, or e-mailed in advance to Bill Bish at NCOMBish@aol.com.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring an item on behalf of their organization for the Freedom Fund Auction, with proceeds benefiting the motorcyclists’ rights movement nationwide through Getting Our People Elected donations, NCOM Speaker Program, lobbying activities & other pro-motorcycling projects as determined by the NCOM Board of Directors.

The 32nd annual NCOM Convention will be held Mother’s Day weekend, May 11-14 at the Silver Legacy Resort-Casino, 407 N. Virginia St. in Reno, NV, so reserve your room now for the special NCOM rate of $99 by calling (800) 687-8733 and mention “GNCOM17”. Pre-register for the 2017 NCOM Convention at (800) 525-5355 or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

QUOTABLE QUOTE:“Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.”

~ Benito Juárez (1806-1872), President of Mexico

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

Avon Tyres Sponsors Vintage Racer Brittany Olsen

Brittany Olsen (Facebook)

Press Release: Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America will sponsor vintage motorcycle racer and Spirit of Sturgis Vintage Festival organizer Brittany Olsen throughout 2017. Olsen started the year right with a win at Billy Lane’s Inaugural Sons of Speed Vintage Races in Daytona, Florida, and will ride her 1923 Harley-Davidson Board Track Racer outfitted with Avon Speedmaster-MKII and GP tires at various events throughout the United States.

“Brittany brings amazing energy to every race and event,” said Ken Warner, Vice President of Marketing for Avon Tyres North America. “We are proud to partner with her and look forward to the excitement that her passion for vintage racing will undoubtedly produce this year.”

The Speedmaster-MKII is a classic ribbed front tire and is available in street and race compounds. It features a curved tread profile and tread pattern typical of classic bikes. Olsen will also be running on the Avon GP race tire at select events. Both tire lines are constructed of modern rubber compounds to deliver enhanced durability and performance.

About Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America
Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America, based in Stow, Ohio, markets and sells Avon brand motorcycle tires in the United States and Canada. Avon tires are designed and manufactured for street and racing applications, from ultra wide tires featuring snakeskin effect sidewalls to ultra high-performance sport bike tires. Avon’s long history and heritage of innovation reaches back more than 100 years. Based in Melksham, England, Avon tires are built to perform and are engineered to high standards incorporating the latest in cutting-edge technology. For more information visit www.avonmoto.com.

Harley-Davidson Releases First Quarter 2017 Results

MILWAUKEE, April 18, 2017– Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:HOG) first quarter 2017 diluted EPS decreased 22.8 percent to $1.05 compared to $1.36 in the same period of 2016. First quarter net income was $186.4 million on consolidated revenue of $1.50 billion versus net income of $250.5 million on consolidated revenue of $1.75 billion in the first quarter of last year.

“First quarter U.S. retail sales were in line with our projections and we remain confident in our full-year plan despite international retail sales being down in the first quarter,” said Matt Levatich, CEO, Harley-Davidson. “We are very pleased with our continued growth in U.S. market share and the progress our U.S. dealers made in reducing their inventory of 2016 motorcycles in the quarter.”

First quarter worldwide Harley-Davidson retail motorcycle sales were down 4.2 percent compared to the same period in 2016. In line with the company’s expectations, Harley-Davidson retail motorcycle sales in the U.S. were down 5.7 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, with the overall U.S. industry down for the same period. Harley-Davidson’s U.S. market share for the quarter was 51.3 percent in the 601cc-plus segment, up compared to the first quarter in 2016. Harley-Davidson’s international retail sales decreased 1.8 percent compared to the same quarter in 2016.

“We recently announced our plan to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders globally. We are energized by our focused strategy, and we believe our powerful brand and commitment to excellence will position us to drive demand for our products and grow our sport,” concluded Levatich.

The company’s long-term strategy through 2027 is focused on five objectives to:

Build two million new Harley-Davidson riders in the U.S.;

Grow international business to 50 percent of annual volume;

Launch 100 new, high-impact motorcycles;

Deliver superior return on invested capital for Harley-Davidson Motor Company (S&P 500 top 25%); and

Grow the business without growing its environmental impact.

Harley-Davidson Retail Motorcycle Sales

1st Quarter

2017

2016

Change

U.S.

33,316

35,326

-5.7%

Canada

2,361

2,470

-4.4%

Latin America

2,342

1,886

24.2%

EMEA

10,167

10,210

-0.4%

Asia Pacific

6,863

7,566

-9.3%

International Total

21,733

22,132

-1.8%

Worldwide Total

55,049

57,458

-4.2%

First quarter worldwide‎ retail sales of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles were down driven by lower sales in the U.S. As we expected, U.S. sales were adversely impacted by soft industry sales and the company’s decision to reduce shipments of model year 2017 motorcycles. This decision helped dealers focus on selling down their model year 2016 retail inventory. International retail sales were down behind weak sales in Asia Pacific, partially offset by strong growth in Latin America. Retail sales in EMEA and Canada were both down as they compared against strong prior year growth of 8.8 percent and 16.3 percent, respectively.

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment Results

$ in thousands

1st Quarter

2017

2016

Change

Motorcycle Shipments (vehicles)

70,831

83,036

-14.7%

Revenue

Motorcycles

$1,099,702

$1,317,578

-16.5%

Parts & Accessories

$169,025

$183,705

-8.0%

General Merchandise

$55,836

$70,618

-20.9%

Gross Margin Percent

35.9%

37.4%

-1.5 pts

Operating Income

$238,842

$332,457

-28.2%

Operating Margin Percent

18.0%

21.1%

-3.1 pts

In the first quarter, revenue from the Motorcycles and Related Products segment was down versus the first quarter of 2016 on lower shipments.

Financial Services Segment Results

$ in thousands

1st Quarter

2017

2016

Change

Revenue

$173,221

$173,358

-0.1%

Operating Income

$52,636

$56,371

-6.6%

The Financial Services segment operating income was down 6.6 percent year-over-year due to a higher provision for credit losses.

Income Tax Rate

For the first quarter of 2017, Harley-Davidson’s effective tax rate was flat compared to the prior year at 34.5 percent. The company continues to expect its full-year 2017 effective tax rate will be approximately 34.5 percent.

Other Results

At the end of the first quarter of 2017, cash and marketable securities totaled $844.7 million, compared to $739.1 million in 2016. Harley-Davidson generated $159.9 million of cash from operating activities in the first quarter of 2017 compared to $41.1 million in the same period of 2016. The company paid a cash dividend of $0.365 per share for the first quarter of 2017, an increase of 4.3 percent compared to the first quarter of 2016. On a discretionary basis, the company repurchased 1.2 million shares of its common stock during the first quarter of 2017 for $70.9 million. There were approximately 177.1 million weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 184.2 million shares in the first quarter of 2016. At the end of the first quarter, 18.0 million shares remained on a board-approved share repurchase authorization.

Guidance

For 2017, Harley-Davidson continues to anticipate full-year motorcycle shipments to be flat to down modestly in comparison to 2016. In the second quarter of 2017, the company expects to ship approximately 80,000 to 85,000 motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson continues to expect full-year 2017 operating and gross margin as a percent of revenue to be approximately in line with 2016.

The company continues to expect that full-year 2017 capital expenditures will be $200 million to $220 million. Read More

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Announces Partnership With Harley-Davidson

The Two Americana-Steeped Brands Celebrate The Kick-Off Of Their Partnership With The Unveil Of Their Artist Series Motorcycles

Press Release: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, created to honor the father of American old school tattooing, Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, has aligned with the iconic, American Harley-Davidson Motor Company for a multi-year partnership. To commemorate the kick-off of the partnership, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum will be unveiling a series of twenty-two customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles designed by high profile artists and visionaries from around the United States including Harley-Davidson’s own Styling Team, at a celebration this spring.

This 360-partnership will come to life in bars, restaurants, Harley-Davidson dealerships and joint celebrations around the country. Consumers can expect a series of shared events and moments from the two iconic brands, leading up to Harley-Davidson’s 115th Anniversary in 2018.

The first official venture together is the series of customized motorcycles created by acclaimed artists from around the country. The participating artists include a range of innovators with backgrounds in tattoo design, mural paintings, street art and automotive design. Acclaimed tattoo artists Jonathan Valena aka JonBoy, Oliver Peck, and Megan Woznicki aka Megan Massacre have designed a selection of bikes as well as popular Miami-based muralists, Alexander Mijares, celebrated automotive designer, Michael “BuckWild” Ramirez and artist L’Amour Supreme. Each artist was tasked with interpreting the infamous flash art style of Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins into their unique motorcycle design. Members of the Harley-Davidson Styling Team round out the group of artists and use their deep knowledge of Harley-Davidson history to inspire their unique designs.

The motorcycles will be unveiled in a celebration at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee on May 2, 2017 that will be open to consumers and include exciting festivities for all attendees. Following the celebrations, these bikes will not become a part of the exhibit, but instead be available for viewing around the United States all summer 2017 at liquor retailers, Sailor Jerry’s Fleet Week New York celebrations, at the Harley-Davidson Museum and more. Fans of Harley-Davidson and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum will have a chance to win a motorcycle through a sweepstakes program kicking off on May 15, 2017. There will be twenty-two total bikes available to win. To enter, participants can log on to www.SailorJerry.com/Harley-Davidson and can receive additional information on the sweepstakes.

“Between our shared American roots, values and traditions, collaborating with Harley-Davidson is an exciting and natural fit,” said Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum Senior Brand Manager Josh Hayes. “Harley-Davidson shares Sailor Jerry’s genuine Americana values for freedom and living outside the lines. With Harley-Davidson, we look forward to a long partnership that celebrates our shared brand beliefs.”

The collaboration of these two Americana-steeped brands is a true testament to their rich histories of honoring the traditional values, passions and purposes of the men for whom they are named. After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, Norman Collinsdedicated his life honing the art of tattooing out of his shop on Hotel Street in Honolulu. Collins’ shop became the must-stop destination for sailors on their shore-leave. His unique flash-art style started a movement that still inspires artists today. Harley-Davidson, named after founders William S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, William A. Davidson and Walter Davidson, has become an American icon since its founding in 1903. Since its first motorcycle, Harley-Davidson has been dedicated to fulfilling dreams of personal freedom – from exceptional custom experiences, innovative products and precise manufacturing. Together, these two brands are excited to begin a partnership that combines their joint passions and values.

“Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum and Harley-Davidson are all about freedom of expression and customization, whether that is expressed by a Norman Collins tattoo or a bike,” said Scott Beck, Harley-Davidson Director of Marketing. “We are struck by the natural ties Sailor Jerry has to the motorcycle culture.”

Harley-Davidson Roadster: With a profile reminiscent of racing Sportster motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s, Roadster joins Harley’s Dark Custom lineup with a minimalist design inspired by classic models and current trends in stripped-down custom bikes. A rider’s bike, the Harley-Davidson Roadster boasts premium suspension components and a balanced, athletic stance that connects the rider to the road.

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Spectro’s products are engineered to provide the highest levels of performance across the full range of full-synthetic, semi-synthetic and petroleum lubricants for all types of power-sports engines, and transmissions. Spectro also provides premier products for your brakes, chain, suspension, air filter, cooling system, and the appearance of your bike as well. Spectro protects your bike from front to back, and everywhere in between!